The Malta Environment and Planning Authority yesterday published an action plan for Marfa which proposes to turn the area at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha into a major leisure and recreation area.
The proposed facilities will include camping sites, a caravan site at Il-Qortin it-Twil, a small boat sailing centre, beach rooms, picnic areas, cycleways and footpaths.
"The plan will go a long way towards protecting the rich cultural and natural heritage found this side of the island", the authority said, adding that all the land was government owned.
Details of the plan have been published by the authority for public consultation.
The authority said a major initiative concerned the removal of illegal structures. It said the plan identified five areas for the construction of beachrooms to replace illegal structures.
"The areas are more extensive than those currently occupied by the existing illegal development in order to accommodate new applications for holiday accommodation.
The authority said the plan would protect irrigated agricultural land from all forms of development. Only buildings which are necessary to agriculture would be permitted and proposals for animal breeding would need to comply with international standards to guard against pollution.
It said the upgrading of the Ramla Bay and Paradise Bay hotels was being encouraged in a bid to improve the tourist product of the area.
A heritage trail was also being proposed for the Marfa area, which is characterised by coastal fortifications and a variety of rural, archaeological and ecological features.
Some of the Knights period fortifications may be used as interpretation centres along the heritage trail, which could include the Red Tower, batteries, entrenchments and World War II beach defences.
The authority said that in terms of the plan, camping sites were being proposed for the areas known as l-Ahrax tal-Madonna and l-Ahrax tar-Ramel.
The developments would not include new buildings other than a reception office and sanitary facilities. Caravans would not be allowed and a landscaping scheme would be a necessary part of the project.
A touring caravan site was being proposed for Il-Qortin it-Twil. The development would include a landscaping scheme, a small retail outlet and sanitary facilities. Only mobile caravans would be permitted, although there would be provision for some camping activities as well.
The action plan also promotes the implementation of cycle routes. The authority said a number of footpaths had been identified and would be protected through the plan. Other activities such as horse-riding facilities may be permitted within certain parameters.
It added that some areas were being designated as picnic areas. These included Qammieh, Wied Musa, Ramlet il-Qortin, l-Ahrax tar-Ramel, l-Irdum tal-Madonna and l-Ahrax tal-Madonna.
A number of policies regulating water-based sports like small boat sailing and canoeing were also included in the plan.
The plan also proposes buffer zones around grade one historic buildings, where all illegal development would be removed and the sites restored. Such zones include Verdome Battery and a number of historical sites and entrenchments.
The authority said that wherever possible, it would protect garrigue areas. Soil dumping and off-roading activities would not be permitted. Corbelled stone huts (giren) would also be protected.
It said woodland conservation areas would be designated at Is-Sdieri, Ix-Xewkija and l-Ahrax tal-Madonna. The planting of appropriate species would be encouraged.
The plan also includes policies to cover the coastal area, sand dunes, road improvements, transport and utilities.
Copies of the plan may be seen at the MEPA offices in Floriana and Victoria, Gozo, Mellieha local council and on website www.mepa.org.mt.
Written comments are to be addressed to the Director of Planning, Marfa Action Plan Public Consultation, Malta Environment and Planning Authority, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
The closing date of the public consultation is July 26.
Associations and non-government organisations which may wish to discuss the plan in further detail were asked to phone 2290 1554 for an appointment.