NGOs, local louncillors and residents have come together in opposition of the development of an old people's home in the heart of Wied Ghomor, with speakers highlighting the area’s ecological importance to the surrounding over-developed localities and Environment Minister Jose Herrera's previous recommendations for the land to be considered as public domain.
On 1 March, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal will decide on the development of retirement home with 100 housing units, restaurant, a chapel, and other amenities.
The proposed facility would have two floors above ground and another two underground. A new road cutting through the valley from San Gwann to Victoria Gardens would also be constructed.
The Planning Authority Board had unanimously rejected the application in May 2016 but the applicant filed an appeal.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, activist Michael Brigulio claimed that the development runs contrary to SPED (Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development), explaining that regulations clearly state that all alternative options must be exhausted. “They did not even bother to conduct one study,” Brigulio said.
He also quoted Environment Minister Jose Herrera, who had previously recommended that the area of Wied Ghomor, which he had described as a green lung, be protected and listed under public domain.
Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat highlighted he ecological concerns of removing the last piece of virgin land in the area while also addressing the issues the community is facing with rapid over development.
Marica Bayliss, the Deputy Mayor of San Gwann, said that the area will be killed along with the “future of our children” should the development be approved.
Flimkien Ambjent Ahjar warned that the development's approval could lead to an ugly precedent in the area, with a number of applications being regularly submitted in the area.
“In fact we are seeing applications for old people’s homes on ODZ all around the island, solely because you are able to apply for extra floors. This is pure land speculation.”
It was also stressed that development on ODZ, as per regulation, should only be constructed if the development was of national importance.
MP Kirsty Debono, who runs on the 9th district, was in attendance, as was St Julian's Deputy Mayor Albert Buttigieg.
Photos and video: Baskal Mallia