Updated Thursday 4.20 pm - The Planning Authority has upheld objections by Siġġiewi Local Council and rejected an application for a shooting range at Ħal-Xluq.

The council successfully argued that the proposed development would create noise pollution in a rural zone that was only about 50 metres away from a chapel of great historic and cultural value, which merits protection.

The proposed development would also have a negative impact on the zone which was a small rural residential settlement as established by the Local Plan for the North West.

It was also incompatible with a site limited to agriculture, the council has argued.

The PA's Planning Commission found that change of use of the site and the sanctioning of a building to serve as a clubhouse, ran counter to a number of rural policies and to the overall strategic framework of the SPED (structure plan). 

Siġġiewi mayor Karol Aquilina welcomed the PA decision, saying heritage was being safeguarded.  

Objections to the project were also made by Siġġiewi parish, NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa, the Environment Authority, the Malta Sports Council and local residents.  

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