The Authority said earlier this week that while safeguarding all the legal rights of the NGO, it would boycott its requests for meetings until it substantiates or withdraws a number of allegations made over a permit issued to build 23 villas on the hillside above Ramla l-Ħamra.  

NGO FAA alleged that the archaeological study on which MEPA based both its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Ramla l-Hamra villas project, as well as its decision to approve the permit, turned “out to be nothing more than a general preliminary cultural heritage report.” MEPA rebuffed this claim insisting that the development application approved on the 6th June consists of a re-development of an already disturbed land area with some exception on the construction of swimming pools situated just outside the committed footprint.  

According to the MEPA, the disturbed land constitutes approximately 17% of the total land area owned by the developer. The MEPA insisted that the development will be limited to this area, adding that “it is inconceivable how the newly approved plans could have been interpreted as constituting an increase of several times on the outline permit.”  

On its part FAA said the outline permit granted for the new project to occupy the same footprint as the old structures, is “in fact… over twice as large.”

According to the MEPA, the archaeological studies were based on "extensive field surveys and archival research" and "found no archaeological features in the area to be developed close to Calypso Cave", however it was added an Emergency Conservation Order for the site could be issued if the permit constitutes a peril to any archaeological features in the area.

Speaking of the clash, the Church’s Environment Commission said that MEPA had every right to demand claims to be substantiated with proof or otherwise withdrawn, however it added that it cold not understand the MEPA’s reaction.

“The operations of the Authority are essential and critical in the process of sustainable development of the country and for this reasons they are often scrutinized by the public,” said the Commission, adding that “It is every citizen’s right to participate in such a process without fearing sanctions fort expressing his or her opinion.”

The Commission added that MEPA was a fore-runner in promoting public participation in environmental issues, and therefore it cannot understand or accept the Authority’s change of attitude towards critics.  

Concluding the statement, the Commission urged all parties involved in the clash to seek dialogue as a means towards a solution.  

The development permit at Ramla l-Ħamra also yielded criticism from other NGOs and political party Altenattiva Demokratika, which held a protest with regards to the matter in the recent days. In Alternattiva Demokratika’s protest, supported by the Ramblers Association, Friends of the Earth, Mviment Graffitti, Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq and other representatives from other organizations, Chairman of the party Harry Vassallo said that as registered objectors, they would be appealing before the MEPA Appeals Board and if necessary  take the matter to domestic courts and before every enforcement agency in the European Union.    

A number of Maltese are using the internet as a means to petition against a Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) permit issued to build 23 villas on the hillside above Ramla l-Ħamra in Xagħra, Gozo. The petition is calling for the annulment of the development.