Proposal to turn ODZ fireworks factory into spa resort still crawling through application process

A permit application which could lead to the demolition of an existing licensed explosives factory on ODZ land and its re-development into an eco-spa and resort is still making its way through the planning application process.

The development would include the excavation of the site for the accommodation of facilities. The application is for an Outline Development Permit, and the site in question is the Pulvic Explosives Factory, off Triq il-Qaws, Dingli.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has already said that “the proposal is objectionable from an environmental point of view. Nature conservation should be the overriding priority/objective for this sensitive area and its environs. The ERA considers that no development and works should be allowed to take place within this sensitive area.”

The ERA notes that the site is located within a scheduled Area of High Landscape Value and a scheduled Area of Ecological Importance, both of which were established via Government Notice 400 of 1996 with the specific aim of protecting the overall integrity of the coastal cliffs and their rural surroundings against development pressures. The site also lies within a Natura 2000 site (IrRamla taċ-Ċirkewwa sal-Ponta ta’ Bengħisa) and it is adjacent to another Natura 2000 site – (Ras ilPellegrin sa ix-Xaqqa).

According to the ERA, the development would see parking spaces created below ground level (levels -3 and -2), while level -1 would see changing rooms, offices and some accommodation. The ground floor would see accommodation rooms and a pool. The first floor would consist of accommodation.

The ERA acknowledged that the choice of location of particular hazardous developments such as explosives factories, may often be constrained by specialised technical considerations and may thus need to be located in rural areas. While the application was approved for the construction of a one-storey explosives factory, “the development of the existing factory should not be used as a pretext to gain further development permissions and expand the range of land uses in this particular area. This proposal will also bring urban/commercial development closer to an important stretch of coastal cliffs and the related protected areas.”

The ERA gave a number of reasons for its environmental concerns. They mentioned the over-development of the site; the intensification of formal development, which will dominate its surroundings; the excavation works in a highly sensitive environment; the negative visual impact; the creation of environmental issues associated with the introduction of noise, light, etc.

The ERA noted that the proposed development is also likely to lead to impacts on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site which lies in the vicinity of the site, and highlighted that further assessment is needed. A deadline for submissions regarding the terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Assessment has been set for the end of the month.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, in a text message to the Planning Authority, had the following to say: “The proposed development may not directly affect cultural assets on the indicated building site, which has already been impacted by the existing disused fireworks factory. However, it will be a missed opportunity if the cultural landscape of the area is not rehabilitated to enhance the renowned settings of the cliff ranges of Dingli. Although Malta has not yet ratified the European Cultural Convention, allowing the construction of the proposed complex will serve only to undermine efforts to protect and promote our country’s cultural landscape.”

A number of NGOs as well as members of the general public have objected to the proposed application.