The Planning Authority (PA) has approved an application to build a fireworks factory in Ħal-Għaxaq despite objections from the town’s local council.

Permits for this development were applied for 10 years ago by a pyrotechnic Tarxien group and the Għaxaq local council heavily objected to it during today’s Planning Board, Times of Malta reported.

The council argued that the development would take up significant agricultural land and residents nearby in danger. 

According to Għaxaq mayor Darren Abela, a family lives just 50 metres away from the proposed site, potentially putting them at risk if an explosion were to erupt.

Abela further stated that the area is populated by farmers and independently employed individuals, with many other workers passing through the area daily.

He raised another safety explaining that the area from which the fireworks are fired during the town’s two feasts is worryingly close to the approved site.

Nonetheless, the Planning Board shot down Abela’s concerns stating that two technical committees, the Fireworks Factory Complexes Technical Committee and the Explosives Committee, deemed the development safe.

The decision to approve the development was supported by seven members against two.

However, speaking to Times of Malta, Abela maintained that the Local Council will continue to support the farmers, the workers, the “9,000 square metres of agricultural land” and the family that lives close by to the proposed site.

He ensured that the local council will appeal the decision. 

Past firework explosions have devastated the island before while concern about the dwindling agriculture in Malta continues to grow. So, it is important for locals to fight major developments that they deem unnecessary, unsafe, and conducive to the oversaturation of construction.

Do you think that the PA made the right decision?