AD complains to Brussels over high-rise plans

Arnold Cassola, on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika, has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission with regard to the proposed development in the Ta' Masrija area in Mellieħa.

Prof. Cassola said in the letter that the proposed development of a high-rise development on Mellieħa ridge will create a huge and very visible eyesore that risks further destroying the aesthetic environment of the area after the serious planning mistakes committed on Mistra ridge.

Prof. Cassola, who is also a Green party MP in the Italian Parliament, said AD is not opposed to the development of the disused quarries in the area, however the proposed massive high-rise development is another example of an unsustainable development proposal that is attempting to ride roughshod over the rights of the residents of the area.

AD, he argued, was not saying that no development should be allowed in the area but is very clear that the plans being proposed are unacceptable due to the negative visual, environmental and social impact they will have on the area.

He expressed fear that if the development proposal is accepted as it is being proposed, this will open up Mellieħa ridge for development of further high-rise buildings.

Prof. Cassola called upon the European Commission to insist with the Maltese authorities that any changes to the proposed plans take into consideration these concerns.