The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) is issuing for public consultation a policy framework for new fireworks factory complexes and for the upgrading of existing facilities.
The proposed policy establishes a set of criteria which seek to increase measures that contribute towards safety within and around the site. Interventions which complement, rather than contrast with the surrounding rural landscape are also contemplated.
The Authority said that a number of visual mitigation measures are highlighted in the document in order to reduce the impact of new structures on the surrounding rural context. These include limiting of structure height, screening through less combustible soft landscaping and adopting a design philosophy of fit rather than contrast.
It pointed out that the “document clearly states that sites intended to accommodate new fireworks factory complexes cannot be located in Areas of Ecological or Scientific Importance (Levels 1 and 2), sites of Archaeological Importance (including a buffer zone and Class (A and B), Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas.”
The policy is also recommending that prior to the submission of a development planning application to MEPA, applicants need to have their project screened by an ad hoc ministerial appointed committee to ensure that the design and operational proposals ensure a high degree of safety.
No planning proposal for a new fireworks factory will be processed by MEPA unless it has been placed under the scrutiny and certification of the said committee, the Authority said.
“The aim was to ensure that technical and risk mitigation considerations would have been already addressed to the satisfaction of this committee.”
MEPA said that “although not part of the policy document, 3 annexes have been included which may assist with the site selection, design and upgrading of fireworks factory complexes in view of their direct relevance to the subject matter.”
These documents are the Civil Protection Department Regulations for Fireworks Factory Complexes, the Police General Conditions Regarding Fireworks Factory Complexes and Guidance on fire resistant planting.
The Authortiy said that “while to date, there was no specific strategic policy guidance document on fireworks factory complexes, both the North West and the Gozo and Comino local plan, include references to fireworks complexes. Once this proposed policy gets approved, these local plan policies shall no longer be applicable.”
Last September, the Authority had published the proposed objectives which were to guide the formulation of this proposed policy and design guidance. The Authority is publishing the submissions it had received from the public and other stakeholders, related to the proposed policy objectives.
The draft policy can be viewed on the Authority’s website here [1].
Individuals and organisations are being invited to send their submissions pertaining to this draft policy in writing to:
MEPA,
Director of Planning,
Fireworks Factory Complexes Policy,
P.O. Box 200, Marsa MRS 1000;
or through email address: firework.policy@mepa.org.mt [2].
Submissions should reach the Authority by Friday 7th February 2014.