Planning Board rejects proposed shooting range in Siggiewi

The Planning Board has today rejected an application request to develop a shooting range in Siggiewi, in an area known as Hal Xluq.

The Planning Commission was turned down on grounds that the change of use of the site and the sanctioning of a building, to serve as a clubhouse, runs counter to a number of rural policies and to the overall strategic framework of the SPED.

"While the proposed development application sought planning consent for the sanctioning of an existing building and the change of use of the building and surrounding area into a shooting academy, the Board also agreed with the Planning Directorate’s advice that this change of use was not one of the permitted uses within a Category 3 ODZ Settlement as established in North West Local Plan," the Planning Commission said.

The shooting range, covering 4,300 square metres, would have been just five metres from the nearest residence and close to the 400-year-old chapel of The Assumption of Our Lady.

The Siggiewi has council welcomed the decision of taken by the board of the Planning Authority, with mayor Karol Aquilina arguing that the shooting range would have affected the tranquility of the area.

“The council has protected a historic part of our locality. We will continue to act against any proposals that threaten our historical and cultural heritage,” Aquilina said.

The council is also opposing the proposed development of 12 farms close to Dar tal-Providenza and requests to extend a number of quarries.