The MEPA Board today refused the application which would se a large development in Attard, part of which would be built on an ODZ. The development had been the subject of a protest by Attard residents on Wednesday.

Representing the applicants, Architect Colin Zammit said Thursday that he was in discussions with the MEPA Directorate on the issue and expressed his surprise at the “sudden” call for a Board meeting.

The proposal surrounded the road levels, alignment and height limitation of semi-basement, 3 floors, penthouse apartments and zoning on Dun Mikiel Xerri street, Attard.

Presenting the plan, he said that parts of the suggested area would be 3 story semi-detached apartments with penthouses, others will be two-storeys and another area would be villas.

PN Whip David Agius, prior to the board taking a vote, stood up, marched to the front of the room and said that when voting in Parliament, in 2006 on the rationalisation scheme, he was under the impression that the area was supposed to be only villas.

AD representative Carmel Cacopardo, also present, mentioned a conflict between the rationalisation scheme and the Ta Qali Action Plan, indicating that there was an issue with the strategic gap.

Representing the residents, Anna Schembri pleaded with the board to consider revoking and changing the rationalisation scheme, arguing that residents never understood what it entailed when it was introduced. “Mental illness is on the rise, and the construction of these tall buildings is causing stress to everyone living in the area, which is bad for our health”. Mrs Schembri added that she wants to meet with the Prime Minister on the issue.

She said that Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, when in opposition, had attended and spoke out at one of the protests prior to the scheme being agreed upon. “Why isn’t he doing anything now”?

Wednesday's protest had the participation of members from all three major political parties present, opposing the proposed development for several reasons.