Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar on Saturday accused the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of failing to do its job to protect Malta’s heritage.
Speaking in Ta' Xbiex, activist Astrid Vella said that the Superintendence has become inconsistent and is fast becoming an extension of the Planning Authority.
In the past it was "strict but fair", but in the last months it appears that there has been a shift, she said.
"People who care about heritage at SCH have been sidelined,” she said.
Vella said the Superintendence's position on projects which have created controversy has left many "speechless". She mentioned in particular the block of flats near Ggantija Temples, the idea to have a cafeteria on the roof of a library in Cospicua, a project on 18th century houses in the heart of Sliema and others.
The latest scandal is the application filed by Transport Malta to build a restaurant and offices on the promenade between Ta’ Xbiex and Sliema. The area is part of the green lung in a heavily built-up zone. The agency should have never been given the land to develop, given also that it has available office space nearby.
If built, the structure would block views of Valletta and could put the capital's World Heritage Site status at risk, she said. Vella added that UNESCO representatives are already following developments.
"We are in touch with UNESCO ourselves. This is all very worrying and it seems like things are only getting worse.
"The last thing we want is to lose the World Heritage Site status…other places in the world have had their status revoked, is Valletta going to be next?" Vella asked.