“They can’t appeal this judgement again, and I call upon the government to expropriate the land so that it is in line with their proposal in the electoral manifesto during the last election and it becomes a national park and we can all rest,” Buttigieg said. 

Speaking with Lovin Malta, the lawyer leading the legal fight, Claire Bonello, also expressed her joy and thanks towards the public.

“It is thanks to the public and to especially Paul who continued despite the never ending battle for 22 years and never giving up and going to the tribunal and to the court,” she said. 

“It hasn’t been plain sailing but by not giving up he showed us how it can be done,” Bonello continued.

“I would like to give the public faith and hope that these things can be won in the end,” she said.

The court also confirmed that the mayor’s inclusion in the Planning Appeal did not constitute a conflict of interest. The judgement finally confirms that the proposed yacht marina and tourism village will never take place.

Moviment Graffitti also expressed its approval of the decision, emphasising the need for Ħondoq to receive the utmost level of protection to prevent the proposal of similar objectionable projects in the future.

Gozo Prestige had opposed the decision for the refusal of the application, which would have led to the eventual destruction of Ħondoq Bay.

The Qala Creek Project application first surfaced back in 2002 on 8th August, and has gone through many stages of hearings and appeals.

The proposed development encompassed a luxurious 5-star hotel with 110 bedrooms, 25 self-catering villas, 60 apartments served by the hotel, 203 additional apartments, 1,249 underground parking spaces, and a village centre featuring a church and shops.

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