5 June 2007 Rating 5% No Comment  

"Gozo's most picturesque bay, ir-Ramla l-Hamra, which besides its geomorphologiocal features also harbours Roman archaeological remains and is home to endangered fauna, flora and sand dunes, is under threat from a proposed development which will ruin what is left of the unique character of this bay and the surrounding Gozo skyline," said Dr Harry Vassallo, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party. The Gozo Regional Committee of Alternattiva Demokratika is once again voicing its concern and strongly objecting to the proposed development PA 07947/05. Back in February last year, AD Gozo Regional Committee had objected to MEPA (Malta Environment and Planning Authority) and is happy to report that this year the Xaghra Local Council is unanimously objecting to the construction of 35 villas plus a commercial tourist center in the Calypso Cave area at Ramla Bay in Gozo. "It is very unfortunate that the MEPA decided to hold the consultation hearing at the MEPA boardroom, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana on Wednesday 6th June at 11.00hrs. MEPA informed us as registered objectors, that seats can be reserved on request for the applicant and registered objectors. Doors will be closed once any remaining seating is filled on a first come first serve basis. This is an insult to many of the Xaghra residents and concerned Gozitans who have to cross over the channel, to find out that this meeting is subject to the maximum seating capacity" said Victor Galea, AD general secretary and spokesman for Gozo. Mr Galea said "The proposed development will violate Policy RCO 4 and Policies Ben1 and Ben2 because it will adversely affect the scenic value of the area, since it will visually dominate and disrupt its surroundings due to its mass and location and also affecting existing trees and shrubs. Moreover, this proposed construction would quite probably breach Environment legislation, particularly the Habitats directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. This area is in an Outside Development Zone and has managed to have waived an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)." "Ramla l-Hamra is also unique in that it is free of light pollution and is therefore an ideal place for astronomical observations especially during the summer months. AD Gozo is also asking MEPA to take into consideration other policies when processing application PA 07947/05, namely Ben 7, Ben 10, AHF 4, AHF 7, RCO 29 and RCO 32." "Gozitans hope that MEPA will abide by its policies and guidelines and conserve this unique bay which is vital not only as a tourist attraction but also as a place where locals can relax their mind, body and spirit. If MEPA acts otherwise, the right time will come when citizens will endorse AD's commitment to reform MEPA once elected in parliament" concluded Mr Galea.