Stephen Calleja in his article of 5 July wrote “the Maltese discuss each and every aspect that concerns them with blinkered prejudice”. How right you are Mr Calleja as your criticism of Astrid Vella is precisely that.

For your peace of mind, Astrid is qualified enough to make an educated judgment on any proposed development and her opinion is worthy of note because it is not prompted by self or conflicting interests. She gives her time, energy and advice freely to those who ask for her support and yes, her main concern is the preservation of our heritage and what’s left of our countryside. She is definitely not against development as long as it does not offend but rather makes efficient use of our very limited resources.

We regretfully cannot thank the great number of our architects and experts, as you call them, for promoting the claustrophobic, matchbox like and characterless apartments, which have sprouted everywhere, with only profit in mind and who, with typical lack of foresight have neglected to incorporate the basic concepts of eco-friendly and energy saving measures in their plans.

So now we have an over saturation of apartment blocks with penthouses where there is no access to roofs and therefore no possibility of installing solar panels to make use of our one main resource, the sun. Furthermore, there is no longer any kind of distinction in architecture between flats in urban or country areas as they all look the same. Not to mention the abominable looking maxi developments that have completely ruined the skyline and landscape in certain areas. I suppose this is what you call progress!

However, its thanks to people like Astrid who are concerned about the uglification of our little island and therefore protest against the abuse in ODZs and UCAs, and it is thanks to people like her that the authorities have had to acknowledge that something needs to be done.

For your information Mr Calleja, the FAA in its newsletter has stated that it is consulting professionals to be in a position to submit detailed comments on Mr Piano’s plans as his work merits more than a superficial comment’. You can rest assured that FAA’s comments will not be the result of “blinkered prejudice”.

C. Bezzina

ATTARD