Front Harsien ODZ has called on the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal to confirm a 2011 decision by Mepa to refuse a permit for a fireworks factory in the area known as Tal-Ghajn in Mellieha near Popeye village.
The Front also expressed solidarity with farmers in the area who are concerned about their health and safety due to the vicinity of the proposed fireworks factory. It called for effective legislation to protect farmers from the risks posed by such developments.
The application dates back to 2009, only a year after MEPA issued an enforcement order against a number of illegal rooms and the 'use of fireworks without a permit'on the same site. The application seeks to “sanction the manufacture of fireworks within agricultural premises”.
Mepa's Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) and Planning Directorate had both strongly objected to the application, insisting that the use of the site for the manufacture of fireworks was questionable in view of its being in conflict with existing and approved agricultural uses. The Planning Directorate also warned the fireworks factory would pose a risk to neighbouring farmers.
The EPD had also warned that the development would impinge on the rocky karstland’s habitat and garigue’s species and on two watercourses originating from Wied tal-Hanzira and Wied ir-Randa respectively. The EPD had warned that if allowed the development would obstruct the waterways, the Front recalled.
The EPD had also warned that fireworks factories required adequate access for fire-fighting vehicles and vehicles carrying raw materials, which would result in further use of land.
The area has been on a waiting list for scheduling as a Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance for a number of years.
Front Harsien ODZ said it was concerned that the new development would now be assessed according to a new policy on fireworks factories approved last year which facilitates the development of ODZ fireworks factories, except in areas scheduled for archaeological or ecological importance.
“The approval of an application refused in 2011 would represent another sign of regression in environmental protection,” the Front warned.