A controversial application for a drive-in cinema on outside development zone land in Marsascala has been withdrawn by the applicant.

The plans have been riddled with controversy since they were first reported on last October.

The land proposed to be used for the drive-in cinema would be outside the development zone of the area and would be very close to the historic Torri Mamo in the area.

The plans include the removal of soil from the land to make space for 56 car spaces, including an inflatable screen. The land in question circles the existing Torri Mamo and the application proposes the demolition of critical land features around the tower such as rubble walls.

Over 500 objections had been submitted to the project, including objections by the Marsascala local council and the NGO Moviment Graffitti.

Moviment Graffitti highlighted what they called the daylight robbery which is taking place with regards to the few remaining pieces of virgin land left on the island. “The take up of farmland for a private, commercial enterprise is totally unwarranted on every level”, they said.

Following its withdrawal, Moviment Graffitti declared victory and thanked the organisations and individuals who objected in their hundreds within a few days, adding that the pressure they had put had worked.