NGO coalition prepares to fight Ġgantija development permit

A new ‘Coalition for Gozo’ will legally challenge the approval of a development permit near the Ġgantija temples

The approval of the development of an apartment block drew shock and widespread condemnation of the Planning Board’s decision.

Din L-Art Ħelwa Għawdex, Għawdix and Wirt Għawdex said they will be filing a request for the revocation of the permit.

Their legal challenge will target flaws in the approval procedure, errors and incorrect information on which the permit was granted.

This project would pose a very serious threat to the integrity of the UNESCO World Heritage site and its buffer zone, the NGOs said on Tuesday.

“Sites of such global importance are not up for sale, are not the domain of local developers, governmental authorities and politicians”, the group said.

Widespread opposition

Times of Malta reported on Sunday that the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage will ask the Planning Authority to freeze the controversial permit.

Heritage Malta said on Sunday it had consistently objected to the development and that it “will strongly appeal to the decision”.

The Nationalist Party and ADPD have also strongly condemned the project’s approval and called on the authorities to take action.