During a joint press conference between Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party and Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar in Attard this morning, AD Deputy Chairperson and spokesperson on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said that, "the proposal to permit an additional two floors for retirement homes in urban areas will create more intensive development."

"As a direct consequence, the area where this proposal is applied will witness an increase of traffic problems, addition infrastructural pressures as well as shadowing of buildings restricting the utilisation of solar energy for the generation of electricity."

He stated that, "we have now grown accustomed to MEPA first drawing up local plans which should have considered our localities holistically and subsequently drawing up a string of exceptions which cancel policies applicable to sectors such as hotels, petrol stations, shooting ranges, stables, areas outside the development zone etc. MEPA is systematically demolishing the local plans."

"In addition to the difficulties caused by the direct impacts MEPA is now bent on removing the protection of Grade 2 scheduled properties. An example worth considering is the Mtarfa Isolation Hospital which notwithstanding that the consultation period came to an end yesterday has been subject to a development application since June 2015 for the addition of a number of floors (tracking number 162693)."

"This Isolation Hospital was subject to a call for expression of interest last year subject to the rules and policies then applicable. The current process of policy revision which will make it possible to develop different proposals casts the whole expression of interest process in doubt as it places some of those who had an interest at a disadvantage."

Carmel Cacopardo stated that "this is a clear indication that land use planning policies are being used to the advantage of some particular individuals and not to improve the utilisation of land and buildings."

Astrid Vella of FAA said that it cannot identify any positive benefits to the wellbeing of elderly residents by the addition of two floors on retirement homes.

"This policy clearly puts the interests of developers before the needs of the elderly, the interests of residents living close to nursing homes and the protection of Malta's heritage."

"It is also of grave concern that MEPA should enact a policy that runs counter to Government health policy in order to favour developers and investors," said FAA.

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