Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Arnold Cassola said that AD was four-square behind the call of Sliema residents, NGOs, and councillors in favour of an appeal by Sliema Local Council against MEPA’s decision in favour of the development at Fort Cambridge.
AD’s Sliema councillor Michael Briguglio said: “A number of councillors including myself are proposing that Sliema Local Council appeals against MEPA’s decision because it violates the development brief. The development brief states black on white that the development at Fort Cambridge should not exceed 16 storeys, yet MEPA is now permitting development of 20 storeys.”
Briguglio added that the attitude of MEPA’s board regarding Fort Cambridge is very disappointing. “First MEPA had refused to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment, but then changed its mind after it was pressurised by the EU following action by AD and NGOs. Then MEPA carried out an incomplete EIA as it did not include a Social Impact Assessment. The final straw is that MEPA is now violating Government’s development brief.”
AD spokesperson for Sustainable Development and Local Government Carmel Cacopardo added: “If the MEPA reform means that the same MEPA ignore its own rules and regulations, then this is no reform. AD believes that MEPA should be more accountable, transparent and democratic. MEPA should not keep ignoring the opinions of common residents, local councils and NGOs. It should give weight to their expressed views and address their concerns.”