Residents of the medieval hamlet of Ħax-Xluq, close to Siġġiewi, are appealing to the Planning Authority to reject plans for a new shooting academy.
Ħax-Xluq is one of the oldest settlements in Malta and predates the town of Siġġiewi. The shooting range, proposed in a 4,300-square-metre field outside development zones, would be just five metres from the nearest residence and close to a 400-year-old chapel.
The PA is set to decide on the proposal, which the case officer has recommended for refusal, on Thursday. It is opposed by the Siġġiewi local council and parish, environmental groups and several residents, who have cited issues of noise pollution and safety risks.
Opponents also argue that the site has agricultural value and that similar facilities already exist in the vicinity.
“The ERA objected to the proposal, as the site is currently subject to an enforcement notice due to existing illegal structures”
“The quiet rural character of this unique place has survived almost intact until this day and should be preserved and protected from any modern development which may compromise and disturb it,” heritage NGO Din L-Art Ħelwa said in an objection.
“The medieval chapel of The Assumption of Our Lady is located about 60 metres from the proposed development. This is a Grade 1 listed monument and cannot be endangered by the presence of explosives of any sort, or related activities.”
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has objected to the proposal, as the site is currently subject to an enforcement notice due to existing illegal structures on it.
Residents who spoke to this newspaper, however, expressed frustration that no feedback had been provided by several of the PA’s statutory consultees, including the Civil Protection Department, Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Health Directorate.
“Ħax-Xluq is one of the very few remaining hamlets in Malta that has not been spoiled with developments and interventions,” one resident said.
“It takes only one development to pave the way for the destruction of what has been preserved so far.”
Last December, developers submitted plans for a shooting range in another part of Siġġiewi, on a 10,000 square metre site encompassing a disused quarry in the area known as Bur tal-Għaqba, close to the Arka ta’ Noe zoo. The plans include a car park for 73 cars, a clubhouse and a classroom.
Another range has since been proposed inside a disused quarry at Ras il-Ġebel in Għajn Tuffieħa.
Plans for a shooting range close to the Mount St Joseph retreat house in Mosta were shot down last year after the developers failed a due diligence test for the allocation of public land. The proposal had met with widespread opposition from residents, the Church and environmentalists.
The shooting range is proposed about 60 metres from the 400- year-old chapel of The Assumption of Our Lady. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli