A recent project proposed in Xemxija has seen residents band together to object against the planning application.

Moviment Graffitti said on Saturday that it is supporting Xemxija residents as they oppose a mega development in their locality. The application in question proposes a 13-storey tower (PA/00865/24). The Superintendence has, quite rightly, requested that photomontages showing the proposed development be submitted to see the impact on the skyline. It also highlighted that the site proposed for development is situated in a highly sensitive location, being partly within the Xemxija Area of Archaeological Importance, and within a cultural landscape that is known for significant archaeological features, including scheduled tombs and cart-ruts. Before taking a stance, it wants more information.

Residents are, of course, concerned about the size of this project and others in the area. Moviment Graffitti's statement read that residents are already facing the construction of another massive development at the ex-Mistra Village site, "where 4 towers are proposed with over 700 apartments (...) If the 13-storey tower proposal were to go through, over 1,000 apartments would be built at the same time in this very small town." That isn't just a small change to the locality, it is a massive one.

The Planning Authority is, by far, one of the most powerful institutions on the islands. With a stroke of a pen, it can forever change the characteristics of a village or town. This is where the importance of having a Planning Authority that operates well, with policies that protect the best interests of the people and the community should come in. Yet, there have been far too many times when questionable decisions by the Planning Authority are taken.

Just recently, this newsroom pointed out the blunder regarding the original approval of an application next to the Ggantija temples, simply because the Planning Authority Board members and other personnel didn't know the correct facts of the case. How can one expect the people to trust that the Authority is looking out for the best interests of the community when something like this happens?

There are also times when it feels that concerns by residents end up falling on deaf ears, and this isn't right. Yes, if someone has a right to develop their land, then they have a right, but there needs to be balance.

For that balance to be achieved, better planning policies are required. Not only. Local councils should have a greater say on big projects in their locality. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Environment and Resources Authority should also be given more of a say. Policies are also needed to ensure that projects and their designs respect the fabric of the existing community, and that collectively with other projects in the area, local infrastructure can handle the proposed plans.

We need better planning.