Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, Prof. Arnold Cassola, said: “Kudos to the government for having decided to expropriate the site where Mepa recently issued a planning permit for a villa, just metres away from Mġarr’s Ta’ Haġrat temples. Whilst adequate compensation to the private owners is to be assured, the general principle should always be that Malta’s cultural and natural heritage always come first and foremost.”

Carmel Cacopardo, AD Deputy Chairperson concluded by saying that it is imperative that it be ensured that there are suitable buffer zones around all historical sites. It is also necessary that these buffer zones are inbuilt into the provisions of the Local Plans.