Robert Abela And Gozo Minister Welcome Ħondoq Decision: ‘This Confirms Our Consistent Position’
Prime Minister Robert Abela and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri both welcomed today’s decision which officially saved Qala’s Ħondoq ir-Rummien and brought a definite end to a 22-year saga.
This comes after the Court of Appeal confirmed the tribunal decision which rejects the developer’s appeal, declaring that the Planning Authority was right to reject the new plans submitted by the developer.
“I welcome the decision that confirms our consistent position against development in Ħondoq. Heartfelt thanks to Labour’s representatives and activists who worked tirelessly for this cause,” Abela wrote on Twitter.
“Our approach towards a transition will also strengthen the respect for green principles,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri echoed similar words, saying that the party has always been against this development.
“The Labour Party has always been clearly against this development and crystallised in subsequent electoral manifestos,” Camilleri said.
“I congratulate the Qala Local Council, especially the Mayor Paul Buttigieg, who has always maintained a position against this development. The beach of Ħondoq ir-Rummien can continue to be enjoyed by the public,” he said.
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.
What do you make of these reactions?
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