'Outright abuse' of ODZ land as application proposes development of old quarry

NGOs have raised concerns after an application was filed to turn a long-abandoned quarry on the outskirts of Marsascala into a restaurant and other commercial outlets. Besides leading to urban sprawl, this application is a case of "outright abuse of ODZ land" to commercialise and capitalise from a huge 9,500-square metres parcel of land which should not be developed in the first place. The objection was raised by Nature Trust (Malta), the Ramblers Association of Malta, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Front Ħarsien ODZ, Birdlife Malta and Friends of the Earth Malta. "Having a quarry (pre-1968) where natural vegetation has regrown over the years, should be no excuse for development and instead should be rehabilitated to its natural state by planting with indigenous trees and shrubs," they said in a joint statement.  Marsascala has more than enough restaurants and other commercial venues, and such an application is further feeding the glut of entrepreneurs who only have their pockets in mind, the NGOs said. They encouraged the public to submit their concerns by Friday to the Planning Authority on email to representations@pa.org.mt , quoting the application number...