A record number of over 4,000 objections to the proposed project on the ITS site were submitted to the Planning Authority during the objection period that ends on Friday.

While thousands of these objections were submitted online, Pembroke residents also collected hundreds of hard-copy objections, and took them to the PA on Friday.

"People are objecting to this project since it will bury people alive under a massive structure involving a 37-storey tower and a 19-storey hotel that would be built only a few meters away from residents as well as near an area of ecological importance, and without the adequate infrastructure to support it.

"It would create almost permanent shade for many residents, generate 7,500 car trips daily, produce hazardous dust and extend Paceville into areas planned for residential use," Moviment Graffitti said.

It was one of the organisers of a protest on May 16, supported by NGOs including Kamp EmerEmerġenza Ambjent, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust, and Friends of the Earth, as well as the local councils of surrounding towns.

The €300 million City Centre project – which has since inception been embroiled in major controversy over the €60 million developers db Group paid for the public land – will include a 37-storey tower, a 17-storey Hard Rock Hotel, a casino and shopping mall.