Labour MPs Chris Fearne and Carmelo Abela took to Facebook to publicly voice their agreement with concerns raised by Żejtun Labour Committee President Brian Scicluna, over excessive development in the village core, calling for stronger protection of urban conservation areas and the character of Malta's towns and villages.

In separate Facebook posts, the two MPs, who were both elected on the third district, which includes the locality of Zejtun, said that while development remains important, it should not come at the expense of historic centres, urban conservation areas (UCAs), and the distinctive character that defines localities such as Żejtun.

Fearne said he agreed with the sentiment expressed by Scicluna, and while he said that development must continue, it is even more important the protection of the urban environment and the characteristics of the country's villages.

"I am proud that it is the Labour Party that is speaking out on this," Fearne said.

Meanwhile, Abela said that the matter is a controversial subject, complex but simple at the same time.

"In Gozo, the government introduced the concept of a "village island," a clear direction indicating where development should not take place. This should also apply to Malta, and should extend not only to historic centres but also to buildings and areas that give a unique character to our towns and villages," Abela said.

Abela said that this is something that can and should be done, because Malta has a strong economy and because of the Labour Party's beliefs.

The statements came following a strong warning Scicluna issued on a Facebook post yesterday, over a proposed development in the village's historic core, describing a plan for 45 garages and around ten apartments within the UCA as "brazen overdevelopment" that threatens Malta's cultural heritage.