An application to build a timber kiosk next to the belvedere on La Valetta street Birgu has caused quite a bit of controversy, residents told this newsroom.

The application proposes the construction of a timber kiosk (Class 4D with cooking) and placing of tables and chairs. Residents had sent in objections to MEPA.

According to some residents, the local council was approached back in 2006 by the applicant and told that consultation with residents was held and that the residents agreed. The council at the time endorsed the construction of said kiosk.

Residents told this newsroom, and the council in a meeting they held recently, that no consultation was held and that the council at the time was hoodwinked by the applicant.

Birgu Deputy Mayor Trevor Mizzi said that the local councilors today are not the same as those back then. He stressed that he did not know about this decision until recently. “We knew as much as the residents”.

Apparently some 70 or so signatures were presented to the council by residents expressing their discontent, a resident explained.

The Deputy Mayor stressed that it looks as though the applicant had not held consultation with the residents. The Council had recently sent a letter supporting the MEPA bid by the applicant, “however this will now fall through as we are in favour of the residents”.

A MEPA meeting in front of the EPC Board is scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

Flimkien Ghal-Ambjent Ahjar Coordinator Astrid Vella said that the whole process relating to the application for a kiosk on this site has been characterised by lack of consultation with residents, even those of whom were official objectors. "FAA is all in favour of sustainable development but this mania to stick a kiosk in every open space is neither beneficial to residence nor is it the sort of touristic venture that favours a quality touristic experience".