A new fireworks factory will be built in Għarb, though residents were hoping they had got rid of such plants once and for all.

In the last hearing prior to the festive season break, the Planning Authority gave its go-ahead for the development of a new fireworks factory close to another one approved last year, just 300 metres from the iconic San Dimitri chapel. 

This angered residents who, in 2010, had voted in a referendum against the development of fireworks factories in Outside Development Land in their locality.

The case officer described the site as having high landscape value and ecological importance and was, therefore, protected.

The fireworks factory application, covering an area of almost 5,000 square metres in Ta’ Ġeriska, was first submitted in 2009, rejected in 2012 and resurrected recently following the approval of a new policy regulating fireworks factories that allows new plants on dry agricultural land.

The application was filed by Raymond Cauchi and Reuben Camilleri.

Għarb valley is home to several fireworks factories and was the scene of two tragedies in last seven years

In 2009, the planning watchdog had refused an application for the construction of a 20-square-metre agricultural store in the area now earmarked for the fireworks factory. The new plant will stand a few hundred metres from residences.

When another factory was approved in the same locality last September, the local council had described it as “emblematic of abuse of power”, adding it not only defeated efforts to improve Għarb’s natural environment but posed a risk to residents.

The council has long been fighting the issue of fireworks factories in the locality. 

In 2010, it held a local referendum on the matter, with 60 per cent of residents voting against the introduction of more “deadly factories”.

The Għarb valley is already home to several fireworks factories and was the scene of two tragedies in the last seven years – a huge explosion in September 2010, which left six people dead, and another two years later, which claimed the lives of four people.

Residents have complained that the development of the facility could pose a threat to the environment and raised concerns about its proximity – some 300 metres – to the recently-restored San Dimitri chapel.

According to Gozo and Comino local plan policy, there is a general presumption against new fireworks factories in Gozo. 

The PA’s environment panel strongly recommended refusal, pointing out the site was on the side of a valley and was, therefore, also in conflict with the structure plan policy.

A year ago, the council had filed an appeal against the approval of another fireworks factory just a few hundred metres from residents and from the chapel. However, the PA dismissed the appeal in February.

The council had attempted to introduce a bye-law banning the building of fireworks factory but was overruled by the Local Government Department. 

“This shows the lack of sensitivity towards the council’s attempts to safeguard the lives and tranquillity of the various sectors of people being affected by this scandalous development,” the council said.

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