Mepa approves Zbibu lane development

Mepa approved the contentious development of a mega block of apartments in the narrow Zbibu Lane in San Gwann at a public hearing earlier today sparking outrage from residents who objected to the development. Residents and NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar objected to the development claiming it was too large for the area and would cause unnecessary traffic and pollution as well as destroy an environmental and archaeological "gold mine". The collective of residents who sat in on the hearing carried posters featuring different slogans protesting the development. "No more Mepa" and Ambjent dizastru (disastrous environment). The project was voted in by the Mepa board with 12 votes in favour and one against. Project architect David Vella said that the plans had changed since the original application had been filed in 2004. He said the new project had taken into account the aesthetic concerns raised in a public hearing last month. The new plans feature a terraced design and curved facade. The development, by San Gwann Ltd, will include 60 apartments on four storeys and a semi-basement. The project was in line with planning policies and the development would consist of three blocks with a...