An official request to withdraw an application for a tarmac and asphalt plant in Mqabba has been filed by the applicant, The Malta Independent is informed.

Residents of Qrendi, Mqabba, Zurrieq, and Siggiewi had joined forces to protest against a proposal to move a tarmac plant from an industrial area in Ħal Far to Mqabba, placing it just 500 metres away from the nearest residential area.

Prime Minister Robert Abela had previously promised that the project was not going to take place.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, PN local council candidates from Mqabba and Qrendi, however, pointed out that while 15 days passed since Abela's pledge, the planning application is still active.

"Mqabba and Qrendi residents want peace of mind that these plants would not be installed on the doorstep of their villages, and that is why, for this to happen, this pending application with the PA needs to be withdrawn immediately and before the 8 June election."

The Malta Independent is informed that an official letter by the applicant's architect was sent to the Planning Authority, asking for the application's withdrawal as the applicant was not interested in pursuing the application anymore. While the Planning Application has not yet been updated the application online to reflect this, this newsroom is informed that the letter was sent today, Tuesday 4 June.