AD says Mistra project highlights Maltese political hypocrisy

Alternattiva Demokratika has condemned the development of 750 flats on the former Mistra Village site, describing it as an example that highlights Maltese political hypocrisy. 

“The Labour Party did not oppose it and thus abandoned the residents to their fate: it is payback time now for the uncontrollable big developers. As for PN, the PN representative on the MEPA board, Ryan Callus, proposed decreasing the extent of the project for traffic and aesthetic reasons, but of course the developers protested vehemently through their lawyer, who is none other than Dr Ann Fenech, PN President. This is real hypocritical political behavior," AD chairperson Arnold Cassola said.

The Green Party underlined that the Mistra Village permit is the result of political parties favouring the construction industry.

The new development replaces the low-rise Corinthia Mistra Village that was developed in the 1980s.

In 2009 MEPA approved an outline permit for four boomerang blocks rising to 15 floors (992 units). The downscaling of the project to 750 units was deemed to improve views from Selmun and Mistra valley but is still expected to have a dramatic impact on the landscape.

Din l-Art Helwa is objecting to the development, insisting that no permits should be issued before approval of the policy on high-rise buildings which is currently being drafted by MEPA.

The draft policy bans any high-rise development which lies on ridges.

MEPA has replied that postponing the decision until the new policy is approved would be superfluous, as it will not and cannot have any bearing on the full development applications.