The Nationalist Party local councillors in Żabbar on Saturday reiterated their opposition to the "disproportionate development that will overwhelm the heart of the locality".

The councillors were referring to the development of a home for the elderly which has raised objections from the council, Labour exponents and NGOs.

The PN councillors' position has been well-known throughout the entire process - firmly against this project, which has now been approved by the Planning Authority, because it risks destroying the unique historical character and urban harmony of the locality.

From the outset, the Nationalist councillors expressed their concern that the proposed building, located beside the Urban Conservation Area - a zone intended specifically to safeguard and protect the architectural identity of the locality - will be significantly higher and therefore drastically out of context with its surroundings.

The fact that this development is so close to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces will create a serious negative impact that cannot be ignored or dismissed, the councillors said. The proposed height and massing, together with the enormous blank party walls devoid of any aesthetic or urban value, render this development completely alien to the historical context and urban harmony of the area. This impact would become even more severe should two additional floors be added under the policy for homes for the elderly, setting a dangerous precedent for the heart of Ħaż-Żabbar.

This permit further erodes residents' quality of life and endangers cultural traditions that shape Żabbar's identity, including the celebrations associated with the feast of Our Lady of Graces.

The PN councillors expressed deep disappointment at the way in which the Żabbar Local Council's position was entirely ignored by the Planning Authority. This situation confirms that the participation of local councils in the authority's processes has become little more than a formality, despite the fact that local government is meant to be the closest institution to communities and the one that best understands the realities faced by residents.

This decision also reflects the failure of the current planning system, now defined by ambiguous and confusing policies that sustain an economic model focused on quantity at the expense of quality. The result is development that reduces the value of entire localities and undermines respect for historical and cultural heritage, while degrading our built environment. The approval of this project is a clear reflection of a system that has lost the ability to protect the best interests of communities.

Therefore, the PN councillors will be joining residents in Monday's protest and strongly encourage them to demonstrate that Żabbar deserves far better.

This is not an action against progress, but a stand in favour of responsible and sustainable progress that strengthens - and does not erase - the identity of a locality with a unique history and character in our country.

As representatives of the PN within the community, they said they will continue working to advance the PN's vision for a sustainable, transparent and participatory planning system built on the common good - a system that places the community at its centre and respects cultural and historical heritage as well as the environment.