“In terms of Maltese law extensions to planning boundaries should take place within the framework of the ongoing Structure Plan review in order to take account of the effects of any such extensions on other planning sectors,” said Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo at a meeting held in L-Iklin yesterday.

According to AD such extensions are in violation of Maltese and EU law and in fact they had joined residents to present a court case about the issue which is still pending in the Maltese courts.

“Lawrence Gonzi is claiming that nothing will change should his party have total control of government and parliament after the 8 March election. Labour leader Alfred Sant cannot be trusted either on this issue as he has already declared that since the extension of the development boundaries has been approved by parliament, albeit illegally, they will stand,” said Dr Vassallo.

“It is absurd that the PN and MLP are agreeing to break the law in this way especially since the publication of the census, which shows the waste and under utilisation of property within the pre-June 2006 boundaries,” added Dr Vassallo.

Dr Vassallo expressed AD’s solidarity with residents all over Malta and Gozo, including those of Attard, Iklin, Swieqi, Mellieha, Birzebbuga and many others who are objecting to the extension of planning boundaries.

“The Labour Party is also favouring major developers by repeating its absurd promise for a golf course in Gozo, most probably in Ta’ Cenc and a yacht Marina which will destroy the good quality bathing water at Hondoq ir-Rummien,” he said.