Developers behind controversial plans for a new “eco-resort and spa” close to Dingli Cliffs have pitched the proposal as a way of strengthening Malta’s position in the market for “health and wellness” tourists.
La Toc Hotels, which also operates the La Falconeria hotel in Valletta, has applied to demolish a disused fireworks factory in the Il-Qaws area and excavate the site for accommodation, facilities, a pool area and underground car park.
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has deemed the plans incompatible with the rural character of the area, which is part of a Natura 2000 site and a Special Area of Conservation, as well as an Area of High Landscape and Conservation Value.
But in a Project Description Statement (PDS), the developers argue that the resort will “attract visitors seeking a relaxed holiday with an exceptional experience in a unique and tranquil environment away from large crowds”.
Project will utilise green technology to have low water demand
The “health and wellness” niche, they say, is identified in the National Tourism Policy as having “significant growth potential” and the project will “contribute to strengthening Malta’s competitive position in this market segment”.
The PDS was published last week as part of a public consultation on the terms of reference for an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), which is open until April 27.
In it, the developers also state the project will have a minimal visual impact and will utilise green technology to have the lowest possible carbon footprint and water demand.
They concede that more studies will be needed to assess the impact on the Natura 2000 site, its habitats and species.
The ERA had objected to the plans due to concerns of over-development, the ecological and scientific sensitivity of the adjacent valley system, and the significant negative impacts on the scenic qualities of the rural location.
The authority said the proposal was in “direct conflict with the scheduled status of the area” and that touristic developments should be directed towards lower-impact sites.
Several eNGOs, as well as the Dingli local council, have also submitted objections.
The application is the latest in a series of attempts to regenerate the old fireworks factory, all of which have previously been rejected by the Planning Authority. In 2012, the authority turned down government plans for a fireworks factory depot on site, citing the fact that the development would detract from the rural conservation status of the site, alongside safety concerns.
Ian Borg, then mayor of Dingli and now minister for planning and infrastructure, had opposed the plans due to the site’s ecological sensitivity.
An earlier application to convert the site “to educational agriculture and residential use” was similarly rejected by the PA back in 2000.