Santa Margerita residents in Mosta have united against a proposal that would see a 4-storey building constructed in the middle of an asphalt road.

The community held a press conference this morning on location, backed by Environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar.

A number of residents said that the area is zoned for a community centre, however the proposal is for a commercial centre under the guise of a community centre.

George Cassar, a resident and chosen spokesman, said that he was representing 700 families, equivalent to around 3,000 people. Mr Cassar stated that it is a private venture, not one organised by the state. "When one uses the term community centre, it usually means that things are free and will provide a service to the community. However when it is a private enterprise nothing is done for free or as part of a community donation. When one sees what is being proposed, one would find a duplication of things that already exist in the area, such as shops, a childcare centre, both of which we have, and a snack bar which we don't really need".

The building would be placed in the middle of, what the residents call, "an asphalt square", and traffic will be made to go around, which could create problems for larger vehicles.

He said complaints are being filed with Mepa prior to the July 21 deadline, and in addition a petition is being taken door to door.

Mr Cassar said that the area is the only place residents can meet. "This is the only place in the entire zone which we can call the village square, which has been used as an area where we can meet up for the past 30 years". In addition to the 4-storey's, a basement would also be built.

Local Council members were also present and expressed solidarity with the community.

FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella explained that the NGO's ethos is the preservation of the quality of rights for residents, both in terms of health and in terms of preserving the historic context.

"This will undermine not only environment and health issues, but also community issues. This is a new community which has come together and part of the knot of bringing this community together is this open space, where community and religious events are held.

"If we remove this, where will the community be able to meet. Obviously there are other issues such as light as well as pollution. Lack of light is a huge issue that is detrimental to mental health".

The land had been expropriated from private owners and re-zoned in order to accommodate a community centre, she explained. That Zoning, with the option of building a community centre had been offered to the Church but refused as they said it was not a suitable sight and would inconvenience the residents. "Unfortunately the area remained with the specific zoning, and this present developer is taking advantage of this by applying for a commercial building under the guise of a community centre".

“We have come to the ridiculous point where we now have to fight not only for the countryside and gardens, but even for a price of tarmac in order to prevent residents from getting engulfed by ever more empty development,” Astrid Vella said.

The application reads: " Construction of a Basement Level, Ground floor, First and Second floors, and Penthouse level as a Community Centre including a proposed parking area, snack bar (Class 4C), retail outlets (Class 4B), clinic (Class 2A), hall (class 2B) childcare centre (Class 2C) and proposed offices (Class 4A). The applicant is Paul Joseph Gauci.