The application for the Mellieħa Square Masterplan has been withdrawn, a decision that former Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has criticised as "wrong" and a "missed opportunity."

Many had aired concern about the masterplan. PN MP on Mellieha's district Robert Cutajar hadm for instance, insisted that the application that had been filed by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) to organise tables and chairs in Mellieha's main square must be withdrawn, and said that a wide process of consultation with all stakeholders is needed before such an application is submitted again. Moviment Graffitti and Mellieha residents had also objected to the application, saying that it is just a front to legalise the encroachments of tables and chairs in the square.

The masterplan application has now been withdrawn. Bartolo however, who also contests on the Mellieha district, believes the withdrawal was wrong.

Bartolo outlined his views on social media, addressing what he described as misconceptions about the masterplan and highlighting the long-term implications of maintaining the current status quo.

In his Facebook post, Bartolo challenged claims that the masterplan would have increased the number of tables and chairs in the square. He described these claims as false, saying that the plan would have imposed limits on outdoor seating and furniture.

"If anything the masterplan would create limits on how many tables and chairs one could have. The number of tables and chairs present would be reduced, while there would be a more balanced allocation between everyone. The status quo leaves everyone free to apply for themselves without any limits," Bartolo wrote.

Bartolo also highlighted ongoing issues under the current system, where some operators are already exceeding the allowed numbers of tables and chairs. He suggested that those opposing the masterplan may prefer the current, unregulated situation. "With the current situation, there are already operators who are installing more tables and chairs than allowed. But perhaps those who do not want the masterplan know about all this and prefer the current situation to things being regulated properly. Time will tell," he added.

Another point of contention was the claim that the masterplan would remove parking. Bartolo rejected this, stating that the plan would not have taken away any parking spaces. He said that the masterplan would have established parameters for future applications, rather than altering existing parking arrangements. "With the situation as it is today, establishments could still apply individually for more tables and chairs. And the masterplan would never remove parking spaces because that was only establishing the parameters for what was to come in the future," he said.

Bartolo said the masterplan would have provided clear regulations for applications, which he considered a truth. This would include guidance on outdoor furniture types, boundaries for each operator, and aesthetic considerations to give the square uniformity. He also noted that the plan would have set rules for when tables and chairs should be dismantled, for example during events or festive setups. "I believe that this discussion should have been continued and led to a different outcome," he wrote.

He said that the plan would have promoted balance between different operators. Bartolo argued that implementing the masterplan would have ensured that the regenerated square could be enjoyed more by the general public. "This is because the implementation of the masterplan would have paved the way so that this open space that was regenerated after many years of empty promises could be enjoyed more by the general public. I hope that this investment will be maintained and given the attention it deserves," he said.

Bartolo described public squares as central to community life, noting that creating the right environment is essential to restoring them. "The squares are the heart from which our communities evolved and if we want to bring them back to life I believe we must create an environment that is conducive to this goal," he added.

He concluded by raising questions that he said residents are asking privately. With no masterplan in place, uncertainty remains about how the local council will handle new applications for outdoor seating. Bartolo questioned why the current Local Council did not support the original masterplan. "It is very likely that a request for a masterplan will be made in order to plan everything that I explained above, and more uncertainty will be created again. The answer is very simple-because political greed prevailed over common sense!" he wrote.

The withdrawal of the masterplan, according to Bartolo, represents a lost opportunity to regulate and improve Mellieħa Square, balance the interests of operators, and enhance the public enjoyment of the area.