Residents protest against plans for new block of flats

Mellieha residents gathered in Sammy Bartolo Street yesterday to protest against the proposed construction of a block of 18 flats, which will extend into a valley and, they say, impede the natural flow of rainwater.

So far the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has only issued the full plan of the proposed development and the residents, who total over 60, are hoping it will stop short of issuing a permit.

The residents, who are backed by the Mellieha local council, have been corresponding with the authority for the past months in an attempt to save the Wied il-Madonna.

The apartment block would include three storeys above ground level and three storeys below. It would be situated in a cul-de-sac of one-storey residences.

The proposed alignment of the block, which would extend into the valley, would have a negative effect on the hydrology and runoff rainwater patterns, the residents claimed.

They pointed out that the valley bed drained the excess water along its natural route, which prevented buildings from being flooded.

"Any building which impedes the rainwater's natural flow will have an impact on the runoff water. If this proposal is accepted it would set a precedent and open the door to other developments in the valley, causing total disruption," the residents said.

They are also concerned about the fate of a number of mature trees on the site, which they fear would have to be felled to make way for the development.

Another concern is that there was no indication that the 18-flat complex was providing garages for its prospective residents. This would only serve to cause chaos in a cul-de-sac, which already presented parking problems for existing residents and was uncomfortable to manoeuvre in.

"It is not fair to move the goal posts for the benefit of someone's higher financial returns at the expense of people's quality of life," the residents said.