In August 2006 the Authorities justified extending the development zones with promises that it would limit building in the countryside. Since then, permits for non-agricultural buildings have continued to be issued, the latest being a scandalous permit to build a house in the protected area of Bahrija.

This evening, the Ramblers’ Association, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, NatureTrust and MOAM are organizing a walk in protest against this development, meeting at 6.30pm at Bahrija Square near the swings. From there they are walking the short distance to the valley to view this abusive development that will destroy forever this important natural heritage site.

The NGOs emphasised that they are not against legitimate development, even in the countryside, but this is a Natura 2000 site that is supposed to enjoy the highest level of protection, which is why this development should never have been permitted in this outside development zone. It is an affront to public morality as it violates no less than 16 Structure Plan policies and regulations relevant to rural areas, showing MEPA DCC’s disrespect and utter insensitivity towards the environment.

Their walk is also intended to highlight other issues like the lack of MEPA enforcement, the changes to the MEPA website to favour developers’ interests and the long delay in MEPA reform. Government has given much publicity to environmental principles; this protest walk is also meant to highlight the fact that the Government does not practice what it preaches.

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