A request to build a fourth fireworks factory around the tiny Gozitan village of Għarb has been turned down by the planning authority, which said the proposed development was unjustified and was on a protected site.

There is no justification for the proposed development of this site

The application for an outline permit was for eight structures, including two workshops, a kitchen, shower, stores and two fireworks mixing rooms, on a site of 4,700 square metres.

In his report, the case officer pointed out that there were another three factories in the area. They included the one that exploded in 2010, claiming six victims, for which an application had been filed to rebuild it.

This was a protected area of ecological importance, the case officer said. Also, the development did not fall in line with the area’s planning policies which stated there was “a general presumption against the construction of new fireworks factories” unless it was in a permitted, disturbed area such as a quarry where it would be out of sight.

Even the planning authority’s environment unit slammed the development, saying it objected “strongly” and was “considerably concerned” about converting a “pristine, rural” site into a fireworks factory.

“The type and scale of the factory are out of context with the surrounding landscape, the nature setting and ecological value of the site,” the environment unit said.

Not only would the factory disturb the area but it would have an indirect impact on protected garigue species while creating noise and light disturbance and degrading the value of the protected site, the unit pointed out.

The case officer also noted there were farms within the 200-metre buffer zone required by law.

“There is no justification forthe proposed development of this site.”

Creating access to the site was a problem which would lead to “considerable environmental disruption”, including demolition of rubble walls, as the narrow footpath would have to be widened.

The project would also lead to an increase of heavy vehicles going to and from the site. A government commissioned inquiry, headed by Prof. Alfred Vella, has found that firework factories use highly volatile chemical mixtures banned in many other countries, and that manufacturers are often ­hurried and inattentive when making ­fireworks.