A number of objections have been put forward against a proposal for an underground tool room on ODZ land in Wied Ghomor, in San Gwann.

The proposal is for the shifting of an already approved underground water reservoir to make way for a pump room and a tool room underneath a ramp on agricultural land.

The Environment & Resources Authority had already expressed significant concerns for the interventions proposed in the first development, an application which was ultimately approved by the Planning Authority, with their concerns being that the natural topography of the site would be altered, hence resulting in its formalisation and incompatibility with the rural characteristics of the area.

"This current development application is proposing additional interventions on site through the introduction of a pump room and tool room, which will further obliterate and degrade the natural state of this site of ecological importance," the ERA said.

Furthermore, it added, the legitimate requirement of these structures is dubious, with the authority noting that no proof of agricultural cultivation has been provided and from information provided it is being declared that the applicant is only in possession of 0.3.1 tumoli of land, which also cannot be cultivated.

In view of the above, the ERA found the development application to be objectionable from an environmental point of view.

A number of objections, including from Din l-Art Helwa, to the proposal were submitted.

Din l-Art Helwa said in its objection that the application would threaten the integrity of the rural environment and that it runs counter to thematic objectives which seek to protect rural areas.

The San Gwann local council registered its objection to the proposed development.

"We would like to point out that this site is witness to a number of illegal developments throughout the years. It is also noteworthy to point out that a similar application 8930/18, also for the construction of a tool shed was refused by the PA. We continue to insist on the protection of this protect valley to ensure that no development is allowed to ruin this nature state," the council said.

The Swieqi local council meanwhile, as one of the guardians of Wied Ghomor, also registered its objection to the plans, while other objectors likewise claimed that the site has been subjected to illegal works for many years.