MANOEL ISLAND EXCAVATION PERMIT
The Manoel Island excavation permit has been approved in spite of the fact that the development permit itself is being challenged at appeal by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) and Gzira residents.
Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar argued that by approving the excavation, the Planning Commission would be making out that the outcome of the appeal is a foregone conclusion, making a travesty of the whole appeal process. What if the developers are made to alter their development plans after the site has been excavated?
FAA emphasised the importance of the Roman remains found in the area to be excavated and the high probability of other Roman remains in the area.
In spite of all this, the Planning Commission immediately voted unanimously in favour of the excavation permit before the planning appeal is concluded.