13,500 objections lodged against the development of ‘Monstrous Village Commune’ – NGO
Plans to create a complex of villas “defining the Bay of Santa Maria on the island of Kemmuna” as part of the proposed redevelopment of the Kemmuna Hotel have received strong opposition from the public following a call to action by the environmental organizations, said the NGO Graffitti in a statement.
The Planning Authority is still processing over 13,500 individual objections received from concerned citizens, mostly submitted through a personalized online form, a record number of objections submitted to a project proposal in a representation period one. This level of public anger makes it difficult to see how the PA could possibly approve this destructive scheme being proposed by the Hili Group.
Despite claims by the developers that the proposed plans take up less land overall, the developers’ own figures show how the footprint is significantly larger for the “village” in Santa Maria Bay . The project will destroy an intact garigue to push the facility further from the coast and build a building further into the bay on the site of abandoned sports courts. The visual impact is evident from the renders, also produced by the developers themselves. Moreover, it takes very little imagination to foresee the increased congestion and disruption expected, both on land and at sea, if the beach is effectively converted into a high-end holiday resort. end, complete with pontoon.
If the PA gives permission for this project, it will be to the detriment of the public looking for a peaceful escape – a need under serious threat on the Maltese Islands – and the health of our natural environment. Kommuna is a Rural Conservation Area, a Nature Reserve, a Bird Sanctuary, a Special Conservation Area and a Special Protection Area in the Natura 2000 network, an Important Bird Area of International and EU Importance, and a site of ‘ Dark Sky Heritage, where many habitats and species are nationally and internationally protected.
Five organizations are currently appealing for ERA approval of the Municipal Hotel proposal. The organizations – BirdLife Malta, Din l’Art Ąlwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti, and Nature Trust – FEE Malta – are facing the superficial assessment of the private project on a nature reserve valued in favor of the commercial interests of ‘ little food for the rich. Ramblers Malta and Together for a Better Environment are also strongly opposing this proposed project.
Supported by the great public outrage, we call on Hili Ventures to withdraw all plans for Bajja ta Santa Marija, and abandon the idea of selling any part of the complex to third parties. Ultimately, the most sustainable construction for the island of Kemmuna is no construction at all.