No permit for fireworks factory in Rabat

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has turned down an application tobuild a fireworks factory outside the development zone in Rabat.

The application, submitted by the Għaqda Mużikali Santa Marija of Dingli in January 2007, was rejected because it runs counter to a number of Mepa policies and local plan provisions.

Mepa's Development Control Commission said the development would impact the scenic value of the area and would prejudice the aim of the Structure Plan policies.

The factory was to have consisted of seven rooms on a site located on high ground in an agricultural area and adjacent to a reservoir owned by the Water Service Corporation. The DCC noted that the site could be viewed from a distance since it was located on high ground.

In its deliberations, the DCC noted that the application went against a policy of the North West Local Plan which stipulates "... a presumption against the construction of new fireworks factories unless the site lies in a permitted disturbed area whereby any structures would be screened from view".

This policy states that proposals for new factories or the upgrading of existing ones may only be considered if the site is not protected or does not merit protection; if there is a minimum buffer of 200 metres between the fireworks factory and any other development; if statutory safety regulations are observed and if a landscaping scheme to mitigate any visual impact is submitted and approved.

The DCC considered objections from lawyers representing clients who own land in the vicinity. The lawyers referred to the considerable number of residents and farmers whose livelihood was dependent on the agricultural fields in the area. They argued that the proposed development would involve displacement of fertile agricultural land and would endanger the lives of their clients and their family members who work the fields.

Other objections were received from people who live less than 200 metres from the proposed development site.

The DCC also noted that an access road would have to be widened to allow a fire engine to get to the site in the case of an explosion, making the application even more unacceptable. Architect Charles Buhagiar, acting on behalf of the applicants, argued that the scope of the outline application was to determine whether the site would be favourably considered for such a development. He said the applicants had long been trying to find a suitable location for a fireworks factory in the Rabat/Dingli area.

He said the area was considered as an agricultural area but was of very limited agricultural use and was only being used to store building materials until the farmer decided to work this land after the application had been submitted.