Fireworks factories will not be allowed in ecologically important areas and sites that have a potential to be designated as such, according to a draft policy.
The four-page policy released yesterday by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for public consultation specifically identifies those sites where new fireworks factories cannot be built.
These also include areas of archaeological importance and their buffer zones.
But building fireworks factories on good-quality agricultural land will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The policy also makes it clear that the minimum safe distance that fireworks factories should have from a public road – 183 metres – which is established by police regulations, should also apply to industrial zones, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure such as reverse osmosis plants.
The draft policy was drawn up by a board chaired by Labour MP Michael Falzon, a fireworks enthusiast and legal adviser to the pyrotechnics association.
Mepa has never had a coherent policy on fireworks factories and this is the first of its kind.
Dr Falzon said the policy ensured the new rules would help ensure a level playing field and so discourage enthusiasts from going underground.
The policy said structures within a fireworks factory complex shall not be higher than one storey and soft landscaping should include indigenous trees and shrubs that were resistant to fire.
The policy will force applicants to submit designs to a committee appointed by the minister responsible for planning. The committee will guide applicants on the technical parameters to be adopted within such complexes and examine the designs taking into account operational considerations.
Only applications that obtain clearance from this committee will be processed by Mepa.
Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia said between 1992 and 2013 Mepa approved 16 applications for fireworks factories and rejected 14. Two were rejected but are being appealed.
Seven applications for fireworks factories are pending.
There are currently 35 licensed fireworks factories in Malta and one in Gozo but according to Dr Falzon, at any one point over the past three decades there were as many as 48 factories.
He noted that from five factories in Gozo, the sister island now only had one facility.
Dr Falzon refrained from commenting when asked whether he believed the number of fireworks factories should increase.
Such buildings have to adhere to police and civil protection department regulations on safety, which will remain in force.
The policy is available on the Mepa website and the authority will receive feedback until February 7.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com