Title

Stop the Development near old Chapel Manikata permission PA 04280/24

Date

06-07-2024

Date petition closes for signatures

06-09-2024

Creator of petition

IVAN CASTILLO

Grievance

The extensive development being proposed by PA/04280/24 will continue to have a negative impact on the newly restored Chapel in Manikata located in Triq il-Knisja l-Qaddima. This may also cause material damage to the Chapel which is an integral part of the heritage of this beautiful locality. There is also the issue of over development in this area, were Manikata has now lost it's traditional character, something which we should fight to retain and not have to fight to save. This chapel was built in 1920 "the aim of its restoration was to make culture and heritage more accessible while encouraging better preservation and application of our heritage". These are the words of Minister Bonnici during the launching of the restoration project on the 6th of July 2019 in the presence of Mellieha local councillors of which I was also present while then Minority Leader of Mellieha. I would expect that political responsibly dictates that we practice what we preach and so to ensure the preservation of this gem, this request is refused.
One side of the Chapel has already been developed where it has engulfed this gem, the development of the same magnitude on the remaining adjacent side would completely dwarf the Chapel, completely losing the initial aim of it's restoration.

Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to

Refuse the recommendation for this development PA/04280/2024 on the basis that this 104 year old Chapel is an integral part of Manikata and its heritage, the superintendence for Cultural Heritage should learn from past mistakes where they where mislead two years ago when they approved the adjacent building and today can see the result of their approval.

Closing remarks

Members of the petitions committee are entrusted to ensure that the changes to the existing policies which no longer make sense are addressed even on a case by case basis and ensure that good neighbourhood development in this case prevails.