Front Harsien ODZ is calling on the Government and the Planning Authority to initiate a revision of the Gozo local plan with the aim of excluding any tourist development in the area.

The Front said that at present the local plan approved in 2006, states that "Tourism and Marine related uses" within the site of the Hondoq ir-Rummien quarry is to focus on "sensitively designed, high quality and low density buildings that blend into the landscape" and that "emphasis should be given to soft landscaping and visual mitigation."

"The development of a yacht marina on the Hondoq ir-Rummien coastline should also be excluded," the Front stated.

It added that, "although the development rejected by the PA last week did not in any way respect the local plan which refers to low density development and not an entire tourist village, it is imperative that this potential loophole for future proposals is closed once and for all and all efforts should be directed on a sensitive rehabilitation of the area which should be included in the public domain."

The Front expressed its satisfaction that the proposal has been rejected by the Planning Authority and thanked Front Harsien Hondoq and other Environmental NGOs and Greens, who have led a campaign against this insensitive development since it was first proposed in 2002.

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