Żminijietna – Voice of the Left strongly objects to the development application for a retreat house, visitor’s centre with ancillary facilities,and car-parking areas, just beside the church of Ta’ Pinu, Gozo.

It is ironic that the Church Environment Commission is being so insensitive about this development, when on others it had spoken without any reservations. It would be more appropriate if the Church Environment Commission condemns this unsustainable development and exerts more pressure within the Church institutions, to reverse this decision.

The proposed development site is an open area and outside the development zone. The area is picturesque and of natural beauty and the site is an active agricultural one.

Żminijietna believes that this application should be refused outright as it does not provide sufficient reasons for its acceptance. If the Church wants to plant indigenous trees on the Għammieri Hill, then it can file an application for that purpose only. Gozitan community, environmental, social and political organisations must object to this development.

■ Alfred Vella

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left