Residenti tal-Mellieħa, together with their local councillors and Il-Kollettiv have written to the Auditor General requesting an investigation into the transfer of a stretch of public open space from the Lands Authority to a developer.

In an agreement signed in August, 2022, the site between Triq is-Salib and Triq Salvu Camilleri has been awarded to developer Roderick Conti of 121 Property Services on perpetual emphyteusis for a sum of just €151,212 yearly. The agreement can be revised within the first 15 years of the agreement.

The site in question is slated for the controversial development of a 26-room guesthouse and 28 apartments, together with 12 underground garages and 28 overground car spaces. The area currently serves as an open space for the residents of Triq is-Salib, Triq Salvu Camilleri and Triq Żnuber, and residents are in opposition to a development which will rob them of a further open space.

“Due to the similarities between this agreement and that of Mellieha Heights, we have collectively decided to institute a second request for investigation,” the residents said.

“We believe residents have a right to know what’s happening on their doorstep, especially if there’s a system whereby public land is given away for development at ridiculous sums,” said NGO Il-Kollettiv. “We note how the Planning Authority has fast-tracked the permit for the Mellieha Heights development after our first request for inquiry, and this sudden efficiency is a tacit confirmation that these agreements merit further investigation.”

The request for investigation is signed by residents of Mellieha, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three local councillors, il-Kollettiv, and politician Arnold Cassola.

Residents together with the Local Council have recently appealed the planning permit granted in a record six weeks to T&S Developments for the construction of 109 apartments in the Mellieha Heights green space, even though the land transfer is still subject to the NAO’s investigation.