Petition No.: 92 Signatures: 851
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
Request for the Expropriation of Land in Mellieħa (Originally Public Land) – PA07710 24
Date
17-03-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
22-05-2026
Creator of petition
GABRIEL MICALLEF
Grievance
That this Parliament,
Whereas development application PA 07710 24 proposes a guesthouse (26 rooms) and 28 apartments on land in Mellieħa originally owned by the Government and transferred to a private entity through a Lands Authority tender;
Whereas the project includes a spa, pools, bar, gym and other facilities within a residential area, creating pressure on infrastructure (drainage, water, electricity), traffic, and increasing noise, waste and light pollution;
Whereas this follows another large-scale project on former public land in Mellieħa, raising concerns on sustainability;
Whereas official records show that in 2003 the Mellieħa Local Council requested this land for public landscaping and recreational use;
Whereas the Council’s Architect stated the proposal breaches Policy NWTO 1, exceeds height limitations, and negatively impacts traffic and infrastructure;
Whereas residents have objected due to traffic congestion, noise, loss of privacy and light, environmental damage to a natural green area, and impact on nearby heritage sites;
Whereas development application PA 07710 24 proposes a guesthouse (26 rooms) and 28 apartments on land in Mellieħa originally owned by the Government and transferred to a private entity through a Lands Authority tender;
Whereas the project includes a spa, pools, bar, gym and other facilities within a residential area, creating pressure on infrastructure (drainage, water, electricity), traffic, and increasing noise, waste and light pollution;
Whereas this follows another large-scale project on former public land in Mellieħa, raising concerns on sustainability;
Whereas official records show that in 2003 the Mellieħa Local Council requested this land for public landscaping and recreational use;
Whereas the Council’s Architect stated the proposal breaches Policy NWTO 1, exceeds height limitations, and negatively impacts traffic and infrastructure;
Whereas residents have objected due to traffic congestion, noise, loss of privacy and light, environmental damage to a natural green area, and impact on nearby heritage sites;
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
Therefore, this petition calls on the Parliament to:
* Expropriate the land and restore it to public ownership;
* Allocate funds to develop it into a public garden or open green space;
This request is made to:
* Safeguard public land;
* Protect the character of the area;
* Reaffirm that public land must remain for the benefit of the people.
* Expropriate the land and restore it to public ownership;
* Allocate funds to develop it into a public garden or open green space;
This request is made to:
* Safeguard public land;
* Protect the character of the area;
* Reaffirm that public land must remain for the benefit of the people.
Closing remarks
Ultimately, this is not just a matter of development, but of principle. Land that once belonged to the people cannot be lost without a voice and without a fair balance. We have a responsibility to protect our communities, our environment, and our heritage. Today we take a stand not only for Mellieħa, but for every locality that public land must remain for the benefit of the people.
Mellieha Local Council
Mellieha Local Council