‘The People Will Fight Back’: Moviment Graffitti Speaks Up Against Planning Authority’s ‘Breach Of Local Plan’ At St Julian’s Protest
The turnout at the protest organised by Moviment Graffitti (MG) saw new information from the Villa Rosa project that indicated “irregular approvals” to allow the upscaling of the project.
In light of the plans to further develop the Villa Rosa project, spearheaded by developer Anton Camilleri, better known as “Tal-Franċiż”, a scandal formed revolving around the secrecy and lack of transparency about the plans.
Graffitti spoke up about their disappointment in the proposal of harmful development without the consultation of the public.
“It is alarming and a direct threat to our democracy that business interests, operating behind the scenes, dictate the laws and regulations of our country,” said Graffitti in an official statement, “Discussions of ‘brands’ and ‘tourists’ amid the ongoing overdevelopment, commercialisation of spaces, and unchecked economic activity are hollow attempts to sugarcoat the latest act of blatant greed imposed on the public by developers and enabled by the Government.”
The organisation brought to light information that suggested the Planning Authority’s approval of Camilleri’s permit, in breach of Local Plans.
“In its submission to the Planning Tribunal (EPRT), the Planning Authority stated, in black and white, that when approving application PA/2478/16, it disregarded key limitations set by the Local Plan by irregularly approving several more storeys and levels, across the different buildings, than permitted by the Local Plan. Moreover, it also approved a hotel in Cresta Quay, where such development is not allowed, among other irregularities,” said the NGO about the released appeal.
MG explained that Camilleri’s previous claims to have acquired a permit was in reality one that violated current laws. On top of that, the developer proceeded to submit a new application for a much larger project, leading to the current revision of the plan.
The NGO continued by accusing government officials of “bending over backwards – twisting the law, or even changing it entirely, as is happening now – so that developers like Tal-Franċiż can do as they please.”
What do you think of the NGOs statement?
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