The environment NGOs Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, NatureTrust Malta, Friends of the Earth (Malta) and Ramblers Association of Malta welcome the decision that a MEPA hearing is to be held to discuss the withdrawal of the permit to build 23 villas with pools overlooking Ramla l-Hamra, Gozo. The verdict to stop any project in the area will be considered a mature decision as only in this way can environmental responsibility be shown and development-free zones maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Ramla Bay is a site of ecological and scenic importance designated as a Natura 2000 site and each citizen should be proud that such sites are now considered of EU importance.

The NGO's had from the start maintained that this permit should never have been issued because of its impact on the area's ecology, heritage and landscape which are protected by the Constitution of Malta. This stand was supported by the thousands of people who attended the Save Gozo rally, wrote to the media and contacted the environment organisations directly. Revocation of the Ulysses Lodge permit will confirm that an error has indeed been made and that MEPA has had the courage to act accordingly as required by law.

It is hoped that this decision means that other permits for development outside the development zone like Hondoq ir-Rummien and Ta' Cenc will be subjected to the same scrutiny as this one, in the interest of Malta's environment, heritage, tourism and residents' rights.