Moviment Graffitti has objected to the development described in Mepa Ref. No. 5277/96 which seeks to develop large tracts of virgin land at Ta’ Cenc as a first heritage park and multi-ownership tourist hotel development including approximately 33 bungalows and 37 villas.

“If permission is given, it will continue to reduce the precious little natural landscape that we as Maltese citizens should preserve for future generations,” Graffitti said in a statement.

It said the development would cause irreversible harm to the flora and fauna that are found in the Ta’ Cenc garigue, including unique species that may only be found in this area.

The area is classified by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority itself as being of high landscape value (Mepa Landscape Assessment Study of the Maltese Islands). It is also of scientific importance, as categorised by Mepa and the area designated for the proposed development falls Outside Development Zone (ODZ) boundaries.

The development violates Structure Plan Policy TOU 10, which limits any

development to the “vicinity of the hotel”, effectively sounding the death knell for the panoply of villas and bungalows being

proposed for the area, since these are detached from the existing hotel.

The bird conservation area will be affected as a result of the noise pollution and the dust generated during development.

If the permit is granted, it will give rise to further development applications in that area, especially in zone 7, which was

excluded from the Environmental Impact Assessment. This area should be included and viewed holistically.

Graffitti said the proposed project would not give right of access to the public, but only to a limited number of visitors each day.