Residents, activists, local council urge authorities to halt Mellieħa development

Mellieħa residents, local councillors and activists have called on authorities to halt a proposed development in Taż-Żnuber, warning that the project would further erode scarce open spaces in the locality.

Addressing a press conference held on the site earmarked for apartments and a guesthouse, resident Carl Borg appealed for the preservation of the area’s trees.

“We want those trees to stay where they are and we want to see them grow even more,” he said, noting that some of the trees had been planted by his own family decades ago. 

Mellieħa Mayor Gabriel Micallef repeated the Local Council’s opposition to the project, stressing that open spaces in the town are increasingly limited.

“We objected to this development after discussions with residents. Government-owned public spaces that have not yet been developed should remain public,” he said.

Micallef also criticised the Planning Authority, arguing that it often disregards objections raised by local communities. 

Deputy Mayor Matthew Borg Cuschieri drew parallels with a previous controversy involving land in Mellieħa Heights, referencing comments by Prime Minister Robert Abela who had described that deal as a “mistake.”

“If Mellieħa Heights was a mistake, then what is this?” Borg Cuschieri asked, warning that the proposed development would negatively impact residents.

He also criticised the Malta Development Association, accusing it of pushing development at the expense of communities and public spaces.

Residents and the Local Council have been raising concerns over increasing development in Mellieħa in recent years, pointing to the loss of several open spaces, including Mellieħa Heights.

Concluding the press conference, the mayor said the opposition to the project would continue, calling on politicians and authorities to clearly state whether the site will be developed.