Momentum is urging the public to voice their opposition to a controversial planning application by the db Group that seeks retrospective approval for unauthorised works and an expansion of its St George's Bay lido.

The application, designated as PA/05423/26, was filed by db San Gorg Property Limited to add 421 square metres to the existing Bagatelle Lido and pool deck. Crucially, it also aims to regularise excavation works that were previously halted by the Planning Authority after being carried out without proper permits.

This development follows the approval of an initial 292-square-metre permit in April, which involved demolishing 19th-century boathouses to clear the way for a pool and deck. Momentum has strongly condemned the sequence of events, describing it as another example of Malta's pervasive "develop now, sanction later" culture.

The political party is demanding that the Planning Authority reject the application outright, enforce strict fines, and initiate legal proceedings against the developer rather than accommodating retrospective regularisation. Furthermore, Momentum criticized both the government and the opposition for remaining silent on the issue, noting that public frustration is mounting as coastal land and planning rules appear inadequately protected.

With today marking the final opportunity to make a difference, the deadline for public objections closes on September 22.