Front Harsien ODZ objects to proposed shooting range in Mosta

Front Harsien ODZ is objecting to the development of a shooting range at Busbesija, Mosta both because of the scale of development being proposed in an outside development zone and also because of the impact on a nearby retreat house which has served the Maltese community for the past decades.

“The barracks which the developers are promising to restore cover less than 10% of the area being devoted to the project, which is set to include a 300m range adjacent to the barracks, a 25m range, a 50m range, an indoor range, a dynamic range, trap and skeet ranges, an artillery battery and a paintball park,” the front said.

Front Harsien ODZ called on the government to exclude shooting ranges located close to hospitals, schools, homes for the retired and retreat houses in the new policy being proposed to regulate shooting ranges.

The front also expressed concern on reports that the shooting range could attract events such as the Shooting World Cup which should never take place in a pristine rural area which should be free of traffic and noise.

Jesuits and residents up in arms

A planning application to MEPA for a shooting range at the Busbesija aircraft battery, is still at screening stage, awaiting a project description statement and restoration method statement for the rehabilitation of the military complex.

The proposed range is eliciting controversy after proponents U Group were selected to take over the surrounding area and rehabilitate the barracks, following an expression of interest issued in October 2013.

But the shooting range abuts on a well-patronised retreat home, Mount St Joseph, owned by the Jesuit Society, which says the range will kill the silence that is sought by hundreds who make use of the retreat home.

Last week, in a public meeting held in Mosta, residents urged the Mosta local council to oppose the project.

U Group, a Russian firm which devised a submarine for audiovisual services once tested by President Vladimir Putin himself, had already submitted a screening application to MEPA back on 31 December, 2012.