Works on a 30-court padel complex at Manoel Island can continue for the time being after the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) refused a request by three environmental and social organisations to suspend the development pending an appeal.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), Moviment Graffitti and Żminijietna – Voice of the Left had sought a suspension of the permit while their substantive appeal against the project is considered.
In a statement, the organisations said the decision means construction can continue even though their appeal has yet to be heard and determined.
The groups said they remain concerned about the development of a commercial sporting complex on what they described as a site of significant historic, cultural and natural importance.
They argued that the area earmarked for the padel courts should instead form part of the government's proposed National Park at Manoel Island. The government has previously committed to transforming the island into a public park.
The NGOs said their appeal raises questions about the project's potential impact on the island's archaeological and historic character, its relationship with the UNESCO World Heritage setting and buffer zone, and its visual and environmental effects.
They also highlighted concerns over the proposed night-time operation of the courts and the use of floodlights. According to the organisations, lighting could affect birds frequenting the Manoel Island Bird Sanctuary and alter views towards Valletta's World Heritage fortifications.
A further point of contention is whether the padel courts should be regarded as temporary structures.
The organisations disputed claims that the courts could be easily dismantled, arguing that construction involves substantial foundations and associated works. They estimated the cost of a single court at between €20,000 and €90,000, depending on the construction specifications and additional features.
The NGOs said an investment of around €1 million in the project would make it unlikely that the courts would subsequently be removed to accommodate other sporting activities.
They also challenged a statement by the president of Gżira United Football Club that the courts are temporary, describing the structures as permanent in nature.
The organisations further alleged that construction works are being carried out without the necessary authorisation from the government, which owns the land. They called on the government to halt the works and remove what they described as illegal structures.
The three groups said they would continue with their appeal and seek a full examination of the planning, heritage, archaeological and environmental issues raised by the development.
They have also called on members of the public not to use the padel courts while the appeal remains pending, arguing that reduced commercial income would put pressure on the developer's plans.
The EPRT's refusal to suspend the permit does not, according to the NGOs' statement, determine the substantive appeal itself. The appeal concerning the development remains pending.