[WATCH] Refuse San Gwann quarry development for old people’s home, Front says

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Front Harsien ODZ has urged Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to instruct the Planning Authority to reject an application to construct an old people's home in the Wied Ghomor valley between Swieqi and San Gwann. A decision on the project - proposed on an unused quarry - is due on Thursday. 

"Muscat promised in his May Day speech that he will not allow any more building up of outside development zones," Front spokesperson Monique Agius told a press conference outside the Planning Authority's Floriana offices. "We call on him to stick to his word and instruct government representatives on the PA board to oppose the application."

She said that the unused quarry should be rehabilitated for agricultural or public recreational purposes.

San Gwann resident Sandie Galea noted that the valley is a heritage scheduled area and the last remaining green lung in the area. 

"The application itself goes against several PA policies," she said.

Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat hit out at the application as one that will "rape" the valley.

"There aren't enough open spaces in Swieqi to cater for its current residents as it is, and the local council wasn't consulted at all on this applicarion," he said. "If this application is accepted, we fear that it will create a precedent for further development."