Żabbar's local council has announced a public demonstration in response to the Planning Authority's approval of a five-storey elderly care facility that will overlook the town's designated Urban Conservation Area. The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Monday in the locality's main square.

According to the council, the permit was issued despite its formal objections. The proposed development occupies a site at Misraħ tal-Madonna Medjatriċi and Triq Ġanni Bonavia, an area that includes several culturally significant buildings such as the Notre Dame Hall, the Żabbar Sanctuary Museum, and Dar Sagra Familja, a Church-run children's home. The parish church is situated immediately adjacent to the museum.

The project, submitted by Daniel Zahra and designed by architect James Bonnici Camilleri, involves demolishing an existing two-storey structure while retaining its façade, and constructing a five-storey elderly care home in its place. The council emphasised that the proposed height exceeds that of neighbouring buildings, conflicts with the architectural context, and may obstruct traditional fireworks displays associated with local festivities. It also noted that current planning policies could allow the developer to seek an additional two floors.

In a statement, the council described the project as harmful to the historic fabric of Ħaż-Żabbar and detrimental to residents' quality of life. It urged residents, community organisations, and supporters of the locality to gather at Mediatrix Square on Monday at 10 a.m. and reiterated its position that the permit should be revoked without delay.

Labour mayor Jorge Grech voiced severe criticism of the project late last month, characterising it as a destructive intervention that would permanently compromise the town's identity. The council has consistently maintained that structures exceeding three storeys near the Żabbar Sanctuary Museum would undermine the architectural prominence of the parish church and the classical character of one of Malta's most notable streets and squares.

Plans for the development include a basement level containing parking for 19 vehicles, together with service areas such as a kitchen, laundry, and morgue. The ground floor is intended to house administrative offices, a chapel, a dining hall, and an outdoor space for residents. The upper floors will accommodate 32 residential units designed for 73 occupants.

The project received formal approval on 25 November.