Mellieha residents, together with local councillors and Il-Kollettiv have written to the Auditor General requesting an investigation into the transfer of a stretch of public open space from the Lands Authority to a developer, Il-Kollettiv said in a statement.

"In an agreement signed in August, 2022, the site between Triq is-Salib and Triq Salvu Camilleri has been awarded to developer Roderick Conti of 121 Property Services on perpetual emphyteusis for a sum of just €151,212 yearly. The agreement can be revised within the first 15 years of the agreement," the group said.

The site in question is slated for the controversial development of a 26-room guesthouse and 28 apartments, together with 12 underground garages and 28 overground car spaces, the group said. "The area currently serves as an open space for the residents of Triq is-Salib, Triq Salvu Camilleri and Triq Żnuber, and residents are in opposition to a development which will rob them of a further open space," a statement issued by Il-Kolletiv said.

It is the second investigation request tied to Mellieha. Last year, A group of activists and politicians filed a request with the Auditor General "to investigate the dealings between Lands Authority officials, former Lands Minister Silvio Schembri, and developers Anton Camilleri and Paul Attard, in relation to the sale of a public alley in St Julian's and a plot of land in Mellieha."

In its statement on Monday, Il-Kollettiv quotes residents as saying: "Due to the similarities between this agreement and that of Mellieha Heights, we have collectively decided to institute a second request for investigation."

"We believe residents have a right to know what's happening on their doorstep, especially if there's a system whereby public land is given away for development at ridiculous sums," NGO Il-Kollettiv said. "We note how the Planning Authority has fast-tracked the permit for the Mellieha Heights development after our first request for inquiry, and this sudden efficiency is a tacit confirmation that these agreements merit further investigation." It also said that residents together with the Local Council recently appealed the planning permit "granted in a record six weeks to T&S Developments for the construction of 109 apartments in the Mellieha Heights green space, even though the land transfer is still subject to the NAO's investigation."

Monday's request for investigation is signed by residents of Mellieha, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three local councillors, il-Kollettiv, and politician Arnold Cassola, the statement read.