New Gharb fireworks factory proposed

The Environment and Resources Authority is objecting to yet another fireworks factory on agricultural land in Gharb, this time on 5,000 square metres of agricultural land along Triq San Dimitri.

Just last Monday the Planning Authority approved another fireworks factory over an area of 4,700 square metres in ta’ Ġeriska, on a nearby site closer to the Wied ir-Raghab valley, first proposed in 2009, rejected in 2012 and resurrected last year after the approval of a new policy regulating fireworks factories. The policy allows new fireworks factories on dry agricultural land.

When consulted on the application for another factory on agricultural land, the PA’s advisory committee on agriculture declared that while “in principle” it is against the construction of fireworks factories on such land, it also noted that the new policy regulating fireworks factories allows such developments. 

In view of this the committee has recommended the “imposition of a planning gain” to be used for the rehabilitation of agricultural land.

Although the proposal is still in its initial stages farmers from the area have expressed concern about their safety.

“Our memory is still scarred by the loss of life in two major fireworks accidents in the past… It is maddening that despite these accidents we are faced with the approval of a new factory and the proposal for yet another. Farmers are seriously considering  leaving the land as we feel like we are sitting on a time bomb.” ERA noted that the site is located at Ta’ Larmarch, an area relatively free from physical development and characterised by sloping terraced fields. It also noted that the development would result in the proliferation and scattering of structures, the take up of rural land and the introduction of hard surfaces which are incompatible with the scenic qualities of the area.

The ERA also asked the applicant to clarify whether the fireworks factory is being proposed for the production of fireworks for the village festa or for commercial purposes.

In 2009 the PA had refused a permit for the construction of a 20m2 agricultural store in the area now earmarked for a fireworks factory.

In December 2010 a consultative referendum was held in Gharb in which 60% of voters expressed themselves against the granting of new permits for fireworks factories. The referendum was called by the local council following a fireworks factory explosion that killed six persons.