New fireworks factory to be built in Għarb... just 300m from historic chapel

A new fireworks factory will be built in Għarb, though residents were hoping they had got rid of such plants once and for all. In the last hearing prior to the festive season break, the Planning Authority gave its go-ahead for the development of a new fireworks factory close to another one approved last year, just 300 metres from the iconic San Dimitri chapel.  This angered residents who, in 2010, had voted in a referendum against the development of fireworks factories in Outside Development Land in their locality. The case officer described the site as having high landscape value and ecological importance and was, therefore, protected. The fireworks factory application, covering an area of almost 5,000 square metres in Ta’ Ġeriska, was first submitted in 2009, rejected in 2012 and resurrected recently following the approval of a new policy regulating fireworks factories that allows new plants on dry agricultural land. The application was filed by Raymond Cauchi and Reuben Camilleri. In 2009, the planning watchdog had refused an application for the construction of a 20-square-metre agricultural store in the area now earmarked for the fireworks factory. The new plant will stand...