ADPD-The Green Party welcomes the Planning Authority board decision to reject application PA/07170/23 to build a shopping mall and a hotel on ODZ land in Marsaskala.

ADPD-The Green Party had submitted its objection primarily on two considerations:

• The increase in traffic which would have increased carbon emissions contrary to Malta’s commitments for the mitigation of climate change impacts;
• The fact that currently there is a glut of hotel beds on the islands, as evidenced by various studies that indicate that the current and projected capacity already exceeds what the country actually needs.

ADPD-The Green Party supported the stand taken by residents and the Marsaskala Local Council that the construction of a commercial multi-purpose development on ODZ is a non-starter.

ADPD’s PRO and candidate for the 3rd district which includes Marsaskala Brian Decelis reiterated that the locality must continue to remain considered as a residential town, and despite its expansion, the needs of its residents must remain paramount, rather than the needs of property speculators.

“We need a stop to the abuse towards the residents’ rights to a liveable locality. This includes cases where tables and chairs are hoarding pavements and excessively loud music of some establishments till late into the night.

“Marsaskala must, first and foremost, remain a residential locality. We must be vigilant against overtourism to which this development, had it materialised, would have contributed ” insisted Decelis.

He also insisted that even government-funded projects in the locality should be carried out in full consultation with the residents who should be given the opportunity to give their feedback before these are implemented.