Gozo business groups avoid direct comment on Portelli’s approved Xlendi ‘tower’

Two of Gozo’s leading business organisations have refrained from taking a position on the controversial 13-storey development in Xlendi, approved on Thursday (yesterday) by the Planning Authority with nine votes in favour and one against.

The project, proposed by Excel Investments – a company owned by developers Joseph Portelli and Mark Agius – will include 46 residential units, a 180sq.m convenience store and underlying garages spread across 13 levels. It has drawn criticism from environmental NGOs and local residents who raised concerns about its visual impact, traffic pressures and the suitability of a tall structure on a narrow Xlendi street.

When contacted by BusinessNow.mt for their reaction to the Planning Authority’s decision, the Gozo Business Chamber said it is unable to comment on any specific project.

“The Chamber is not in a position to comment on any specific project. Our only comment is that planning in Gozo should follow the objectives as set out in the Gozo Regional Development Strategy,” a spokesperson said.

Asked the same questions, the Gozo Tourism Association also declined to express a view on the development itself, but emphasised the importance of design that complements its surroundings.

“If something is going to be developed, it should be developed in a way that complements the space. Portelli has various projects around Gozo that complement the aesthetics of the place.”

Their cautious reactions contrast with the strong objections raised by NGOs during the planning process. Environmental groups argued that the development’s scale would overwhelm the area’s infrastructure and alter the visual integrity of Xlendi Bay. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had previously warned of the project’s impact but noted that photomontages requested to assess this were not provided.

The decision follows months of political controversy after PN leader Alex Borg speculated publicly about the possibility of allowing towers in parts of Gozo under a future skyline policy, remarks which were later retracted following criticism from the Prime Minister and Planning Minister.

Despite the heated debate surrounding the Xlendi project, Gozo’s main business organisations have adopted a neutral stance, limiting their comments to general principles rather than the specifics of one of the island’s most contentious developments in recent years.

This newsroom has also sent questions to the Planning Authority, but has not received any replies at the time of writing.