MIDI plc has issued a statement to say it “remains fully committed” to the Manoel Island development project after the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal revoked its permit over a conflict of interest.

Publishing the announcement on the Malta Stock Exchange, MIDI said:

“The Company remains fully committed to the Manoel Island project and the development of the site as contemplated in the deed of emphyteusis entered into with Government on the 15th June 2000. The Company will keep the market updated with any developments as they arise in accordance with its regulatory obligations.”

On Wednesday, the Environment and Planning Review tribunal concluded on an appeal presented by eNGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar which argued that the environmental impact assessment carried out by MIDI for the Manoel Island master plan presented a conflict of interest.

The eNGO noted that architect Edward Said, one of the experts engaged in conduction the environmental impact assessment, is the son of Lombard Chairman Joe Said, one of MIDI’s directors.

In view of this, the tribunal ordered for a fresh environmental impact assessment, which is reportedly likely to take several months.

The development project features a sprawling residential and commercial complex, with 600 apartments, a hotel at the historic Lazaretto, retail outlets and a yacht marina.

It was approved in March 2019 with just one vote in opposition.