Labour Party-led Marsaxlokk Local Council has expressed opposition to a proposal in the Labour Party manifesto, describing it as an “eyesore.”The council was referring to proposal 58 in Chapter 19 of the manifesto, which outlines plans for an aquaculture and fisheries research centre in the locality.It said that in November last year, the CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM) presented a proposal for a multi-storey building. The council noted that the site is already covered by a 2007 planning permit belonging to the local authority, which had itself proposed developing a public garden and jogging track there.The council stated that it is unanimously opposed to the development and stressed that the land should remain an open green space for public use rather than being used for construction projects. It added that residents in the Port Ruman area require recreational and sports facilities, arguing that a hatchery located so close to homes would be inappropriate.It also said there had been a lack of serious and open consultation with affected residents before the proposal was introduced. Beyond the loss of green space, the council warned that the scale of the building would create a permanent visual eyesore in the area.As an alternative, the council suggested incorporating the ARM facility into the Siċċa project announced in 2022.The council also said it is monitoring Chapter 17, proposals 48 and 50 of the manifesto, which relate to the regeneration of the Grand Harbour and industrial developments in Marsa. It has requested clarification on the future of existing industrial operations in Marsa and how the changes may affect Marsaxlokk, stating it opposes any relocation of industrial services that could negatively impact the locality.What do you make of this?•