Siggiewi Local Council objects proposed shooting range in Hal Xluq

The Siggiewi Local Council has objected to an application presented to the Planning Authority which proposes a shooting range to be built just 50 metres away from a medieval chapel.

Hal Xluq, a hamelt in the confines of Siggiewi, is one of the oldest settlements in Malta and predates the town of Siggiewi.

The shooting range, proposed in a 4,300-square-metre field outside development zones, would be just five metres from the nearest residence and close to the 400-year-old chapel of The Assumption of Our Lady.

In a statement, the Siggiewi Local Council outlined several reasons for its objections.

“This proposed development will cause noise pollution in an area which is characterised by its rural serenity,” it said, adding that the shooting range’s proximity to the chapel would harm its value.

“The site is only 50 metres away from The Assumption of Our Lady chapel which has great historic and cultural value. For this reason, it deserves to be protected in the fullest extent.”

The Local Council also lamented on the effects the shooting range would have on the hamlet’s residents.

“The proposed development will influence the Hal Xluq area negatively, as it is classified as a small rural settlement – an outside development zone – for residential use as established by the North-West Local Plan.”

It added that the shooting range is incompatible with the site and with Hal Xluq all together, which is claims is a rural area dedicated to agriculture.

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has objected to the proposal, as the site is currently subject to an enforcement notice due to existing illegal structures on it.

The Planning Authority is set to decide on the proposal, which the case officer has recommended for refusal, on Thursday afternoon.

It is opposed by the Siġġiewi local council and parish, environmental NGO Din l-Art Helwa, and several residents.

“The Planning Authority should reject this application not only because of the illegalities found on the site for the proposed development, but because this proposal is not aligned to the rural character of the Hal Xluq medeviel chapel,” said Siggiewi mayor Karol Aquilina.