Din l-Art Helwa concerned at proposed relaxation of height limitation policy

Din l-Art Helwa this evening expressed concern at the proposed relaxation on height limitation saying this would be deleterious to the environment by causing excessive visual density. In a statement it expressed disappointed that, following consultation meetings with MEPA last year, it seemed that the policy was revised and approved without the government an impact assessment recommended at the time. “If such a study has been carried out, then Din l-Art Helwa requests that it is published.” It said that while it appreciated the importance of tourism to the economy and to the provision of employment, the policy did not strive to strike the right balance between the quality of the environment and the generation of revenue as should be the responsibility of MEPA, and that this proposal had been rushed through without serious analysis or EIAs to justify its revision. Din l-Art Helwa said that another grave concern was that the proposed height relaxation policy brought about a situation of two weights and two measures - for the hoteliers - who would have the privilege of building two additional storeys, against other local businesses or home owners, who were not being granted the same...