The St Julian’s Residents' Association appreciates the consultations held between various authorities and St Julian's residents over the past months. The Association welcomes  Thursday's decision re the residential project to be built in the Villa Fieres garden, which took into consideration the rights of existing residents. The St Julian’s residents had objected to the original project  due to the fact that it had proposed seven stories and 21 apartments in an already overdeveloped area. However, more importantly, this project violated sanitary considerations as it involved the walling up of residents' bedroom windows which were legally built and according to plan.

The St Julian’s Residents' Association takes this opportunity to thank the Mayor and Local Council and members of the three political parties who offered their support on this sensitive issue. A special thanks goes to Flimkien ghalAmbjent Ahjar for their unwavering support and guidance .

Although the residents had been taken aback at MEPA's original approval of the recommended project, the outcome has shown that with good-will the planning process can result in projects that promote growth while respecting the interests of residents. It is hoped that future projects in St Julian’s will follow this pattern to the benefit of all parties.

Michel Spiteri

St Julian’s