Momentum called the Planning Authority’s (PA) approval of a block of flats in Nigret, Żurrieq, a “betrayal” to residents by the Prime Minister.The PA has approved the first of five proposed developments for the area, after fervent opposition from hundreds of activists and residents.Momentum noted that this decision paves the way for the urbanisation of one of the largest remaining stretches of open countryside in southern Malta.“The people of Żurrieq were promised that Nigret would be protected. Yesterday, they were let down,” executive member of Momentum Alastair Farrugia said.Some 400 people objected to the development with residents even attending the meeting to defend their countryside. However, their concerns were “ignored”, Momentum stated.“Once again, ordinary citizens have seen that political promises made before an election can quickly disappear afterward.”During the national election campaign, Prime Minister Robert Abela consistently assured that the government would not give state-owned land for development.Farrugia went on to call on the government to honour its promise to protect Nigret by “immediately beginning the process of acquiring the remaining land and permanently protecting the area from further development before the remaining applications are decided”.“Malta cannot continue sacrificing its remaining open spaces one permit at a time.”Under planning application PA/01822/26, the development would comprise basement garages, four ground-floor maisonettes, 12 apartments on the first three floors, and four penthouses at roof level.Do you think the PA made the right decision?•