Shooting ranges could be built in quarries, according to new proposals released for public consultation by the planning authority.

The authority said it had been requested by the government to draw up a policy and design guidance for shooting ranges.

The final policy would need to take into consideration the noise and direction of the shooting together with the deposits of lead and other material.

It would also have to take note of the “spirit” of the Structure Plan that prohibited the development of any structure or activity that would adversely affect areas of high landscape value.

Quarries and military installations should be looked into to be used as bases for shooting ranges, the document says.

The planning policy would have to take into consideration the impact on protected areas and the need for valleys to remain protected as water catchment areas.

New physical development on the valley sides will not be permitted, except for structures that “aim at stopping soil erosion and serve for water resource management”.

The valleys will be safeguarded for recreational activities such as walking and cycling.

Individuals and organisations are being invited to send in their feedback to Director of Planning, Shooting Range Policy (Objective) Mepa, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana or e-mail: shootingranges.policy@mepa.org.mt.

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