Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) has slammed a proposed master plan for St George's Square in Victoria, Gozo, saying that it legalises the abusive food establishment encroachments that have choked the square.

The master plan was put forward by the Lands Authority to regulate the take up of tables and chairs in the square. It was proposed after activists, band clubs, and the Victoria parish protested against the amount of space being taken up by tents, tables and chairs in the square. The Nationalist Party had said that this Masterplan will not resolve existing problems, but will instead exacerbate them.

FAA, in a statement on Wednesday, said that it supports Rabat residents betrayed by the commercial takeover of community spaces in Maltese towns and villages.

"Despite knowing that businesses are abusively encroaching public spaces in violation of regulations and public rights, authorities are now allowing businesses to apply for official permits, condoning their illegal actions," the NGO said.

St. George's Square serves as a space that connects a community and its church. "Eliminating its connection with St. George's Church would not only strip the square of its historical narrative but also tear apart the community's sense of place. This act would diminish residents' quality of life by eliminating the very foundation for social interaction and cultural expression, ultimately eroding the square's unique identity."

The lack of oversight allows unchecked commercial activity to violate the Policy, Guidance, and Standards for Outdoor Catering Areas on Public Open Spaces, obstructing the real role of the church square, ie. weddings, funerals and community events, FAA said. "This abuse is preventing elders, youths and other local community members from enjoying the square or setting up traditional cultural events like a festive talent stage or festive food and drink stalls set up by locals, all designed to bring people together right in front of their place of worship."

"This Master Plan confirms the transformation of the church square into another tourist-centric zone stripped of authenticity and driven solely by profit," the NGO said. "Moreover, it will legalise the obstruction of emergency access for ambulances, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles, posing a serious risk to public safety and forcing emergency responders to carry patients on a stretcher through the church square in a very undignified manner."

The removal of unnecessary street furniture and the establishment of visual harmony are crucial for preserving the square as a vital gathering place, FAA said. "Without rigorous oversight, these spaces become cluttered, losing their authentic social and historic character and overrun by commercialisation."

FAA urged the public to email objections re PA0284/25 at [email protected] before the deadline, Friday 7 March.