The Planning Authority has given the green light for developer Joseph Portelli and his business partner to build a large pool in a protected part of a Gozitan valley.

The Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to approve the pool, which will form part of a block of flats overlooking Marsalforn valley, despite the fact that the PA’s own case officer had twice recommended that it be refused.

The application is largely Outside the Development Zone (ODZ) and had prompted mass objections from residents and activists alike.

Xaghra mayor Christian Zammit said that the approval of the application would set precedent for further destruction and for further “rape” of the valley.

However, the project’s architect Saviour Micallef said that the proposal had been downscaled and that there were already similar developments around the valley.

The application was filed by Joseph Portelli and his business partners the Agius brothers – known as Ta’ Dirjanu - and Daniel Refalo.

The Planning Commission said that the changes to the plans since the case was last deferred and the additions of three indigenous trees on either side of the development was enough to justify overturning the recommendation to refuse the project.

The Commission’s chair Martin Camilleri said that the new layout was considered to be in the spirit of Gozo’s local plan, and therefore the plans were approved.