Major NGOs across Malta have filed a judicial protest against the granting of a permit to construct a pool on ODZ land that will extend into Marsalfrom as “part of an abusive Joseph Portelli development”.

In a statement, Din L-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Għawdix, Moviment Graffitti and Wirt Għawdex reiterated that the eight-storey development is already in breach of the Gozo and Comino Local Plan and the DC15 policy which preclude major developments on Gozo’s protected ridge.

“At eight storeys, this development is the most abusive ridge-edge project so far, as not only does it change the landscape, dominating it from miles around, the hillside was gouged out to accommodate the project,” they said. 

The judicial protest comes ahead of tomorrow’s hearing regarding the addition of the pool and deck area, which the NGOs say violates the local plans.

“Swimming pools along the side of the valley here would destroy the lush vegetation and trees of this untouched site, and this precedent could lead to much wider destruction of valleys all over Gozo,” they said.

“The indications are that the Planning Commission will issue the permit, in defiance of the recommendation for refusal by the PA case officer – something which is happening repeatedly with Portelli application.”

“No amount of tweaking of plans in favour of speculators should be allowed to override the law and public interest.”

What do you think of the project?