Proposed Marsaskala agri-tourism complex falls foul of MEPA rural policy

Proposed works would result in formalization and uptake of land within a sensitive area which are not compatible with the conservation of the rural characteristics and scheduling status of the area.

The Munxar area in Marascala
The Munxar area in Marascala

An agri-tourism project proposed across 80,000 square metres of agricultural land at the Munxar area of Marsaskala, has already been met with disfavour from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in a screening letter.

Billed as a place for “a fulfilling holiday in the Mediterranean environment while on an agricultural farm”, the project will include guest rooms, a fully equipped restaurant, an “agro-food facility” to be used for lecturing and hands-on experiences, a fully equipped conference centre for multi-purpose events, a farm retail outlet with display area, activity rooms, greenhouses, an animal farm, and bird-watching facility. There will also be a fitness centre, beauty saloon, and a wine bar.

MORE 80,000 square metre agri-tourism village proposed off Marsaskala

But MEPA has told developer Rennie Scicluna, a building contractor who is also a part-time farmer, that his proposal is not in line with the Rural Policy and Design Guidance’s policy 4.4 (4) because it falls within a Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance, unless it can be demonstrated that the development will not not compromise the site scheduling characteristics.

The application does not provide information on whether the applicant is a registered farmer tilling 60 tumoli of land or a legally-binding farmer-entrepreneur; farming activity has not been in operation for five years; and the building exceeds total floor space of 400 square metres.

MEPA said in its screening letter that the site lies within a very sensitive and scenic rural location and an Area of Ecological Importance with Level 2 and Level 3 scheduling status. “The proposed works would result in formalization and uptake of land within a sensitive area which are not compatible with the conservation of the rural characteristics and scheduling status of the area.”

The land in question also has enforcement actions pending since a parcel of land has been converted and is being used as a race track for radio controlled cars without permit, bilding material consisting of franka stones, concrete and other debris has fallen down on the embankment, a gate built not according to approved plans and roofing over an old building without permit, are still on the site since 2008.

MEPA has asked for a block plan indicating all intended pathways and landscaping, and how the provision of services, including electricity and water supply, drainage and sewage disposal is intended to be carried out “without adverse environmental impacts”.

Other onerous conditions include: information on the proposed pontoon, and whether any studies will be needed for dredging works; a simplified transport study demonstrating that the existing road network serving the site is capable of dealing satisfactorily with the traffic which will be generated by the proposed development; a Tourism Policy Compliance Certificate from the Malta Tourism Authority; official statement from the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) confirming that consultation has been carried out in line with the rural development policy; a fire safety, ventilation, and noise-mitigation.