If the Planning Authority were to approve a permit for a bungalow on ODZ land near Ghar Lapsi it would create a dangerous precedent for the area, an activist group has warned.

Moviment Graffitti is urging the public to object to a recent planning application for the "construction of basement garage and unit on one floor."

Plans uploaded on the Planning Authority website show that the applicant intends to buld a one-storey, three-bedroom bungalow. The application also includes landscaping of the area. A 1978 aerial photo of the area shows that, at the time, there was no residential structure on site.

The site lies in an agricultural area on an ODZ site, close to the roundabout leading down to Ghar Lapsi. The application is pending recommendation by the case officer.

Moviment Graffitti is urging people to register their objections to PA/3458/20.

It said the the proposed development is on an ODZ site. No built-up structures exist in the plot where the development is planned.

It also said the documentation presented "does not provide proof of legitimate use as a residence in 1978 and therefore the proposed development is not justified."

"New residences on unbuilt ODZ plots should not be approved as this is virgin land, located close to a natural site, on the road leading to Għar Lapsi and Wied iż-Żurrieq. If this development were to be approved, this would create a dangerous precedent for the area, leading to more buildings and developments which would mar the natural beauty of the area, as well as its agricultural potential," the group said.

Graffiti said the proposed development will have a significant impact on the landscape and the view of the area, particularly the sea view as you are coming down the road to Għar Lapsi and Wied iż-Żurrieq.