Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544529
4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 APRIL 2026 NEWS Tourism complex instead of Kercem fireworks factory set for refusal THE Planning Directorate has formally recommended the re- fusal of a proposal to convert a Kerċem fireworks factory into a tourism complex, citing its exces- sive building scale, lack of tourism authority endorsement, and fail- ure to meet mandatory sanitary and accessibility standards The proposal (PA/06186/25), submitted by Clyde Bantick, sought to demolish the existing industrial structures to construct seven self-catering units featuring private jacuzzis, swimming pools, and extensive landscaping. The case officer's report points at the significant disparity in the scale of the proposed develop- ment compared to the existing site. While the approved footprint of the original fireworks factory stands at 309sq.m, the new plans would more than double that area to 693.7sq.m. Moreover, the proposed base- ment level reached a staggering 1,457sq.m, far exceeding the le- gally established footprint of the ground-floor buildings, a direct breach of the Rural Policy and De- sign Guidance. Beyond the structures them- selves, the Directorate took issue with the excessive take-up of ru- ral land. The proposed 241sq.m of hard landscaped passageways and the 206.8sq.m dedicated to pools and decking were deemed "excessive" and in breach of rural policies designed to prevent soil sealing. As things stands, the develop- ment has to be approved under the rural policy of 2014, which generally only allows new dwell- ings instead of structures that had already served as residences in the past. However, the Rural Policy ap- proved in 2014 does allow excep- tions for new uses if they result in a "wider environmental benefit" and can be adequately serviced by the existing road network. While architect, Alexander Bigeni, argued that replacing an explosives factory with tourism units constituted a "wider envi- ronmental benefit," the Directo- rate remained unconvinced, citing the intensification of use and the massive increase in building vol- ume. With the recommendation for refusal now finalised, the appli- cation faces a decisive vote by the Planning Board on 12 May. Environmental and heritage NGOs had objected to the project. Għawdix argued that the develop- ment was "entirely incompatible with the rural and ecological sen- sitivity of the area," warning that it would lead to "urban sprawl" and permanent damage to the rural landscape. Din l-Art Ħelwa echoed these concerns, stating that the develop- er was exploiting the "compulsory remote location" of a fireworks factory to justify a commercial project that would "effectively de- stroy the countryside" and open the area to speculation. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) did not endorse the pro- ject, and a Tourism Compliance Certificate was never issued. The application describes the factory as "legally established." However, an enforcement order against three workshops and oth- er facilities not covered by a per- mit has been pending since 1999. Approval would mean that a development which, by its very nature, had to be located Outside the Development Zone (ODZ) for safety reasons, is being used as a stepping stone for a more lucra- tive tourism project. The application was presented by Clyde Bantick in his personal capacity. Bantick who declared owning the site, is the Group General Manager at Blue Clay Collection, which forms part of the Agius Group of companies, a company whose directors include property developer Mark Agius. The plans were submitted by architect Alex Bigeni, one of the most sought-after architects for ODZ developments in Gozo. The development is being pro- posed in the vicinity of a protect- ed watercourse known as Wied il-Mans in a pristine area. The site is situated within a Dark Sky Her- itage Area and carries high agri- cultural and archaeological value, falling within the buffer zone of the Qawra/Dwejra Heritage Park JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The fireworks factory in Kercem AN 18-year-old Syrian youth from Marsa pleaded not guilty to grievously injuring another young person during a violent fight that took place at Golden Bay last Sunday evening. Mohamad Haj was charged with causing grievous injuries to the victim, causing him to fear that violence would be used against him, violent assault, and breaching the public peace. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court heard that on 19 April at around 5:45pm, police were informed of a fight involv- ing approximately ten people at Golden Bay. District police of- ficers and members of the Inter- vention Unit were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers identified two suspects climbing up rocks in the area. Police Inspector Warren Galea added that several people were involved in the altercation and that some individuals involved in the fight managed to flee the area. He said that investigations are ongoing. Galea confirmed that Haj did not resist arrest and did not attempt to flee. He was climbing up the rocks when of- ficers ordered him to stop, which he did immediately. During his statement, the ac- cused reportedly told police that he was himself a victim. After his arrest, Haj was taken to a nearby health centre, where it was con- firmed by a medical certificate that he had sustained light inju- ries. A request for bail was made by the defence. The prosecution objected, ar- guing that there was a real risk of interference with witnesses, noting that the victim had yet to testify and that several witnesses who still need to give evidence are friends of the accused. They also objected on the basis that in- vestigations on the case are still ongoing. The defence countered that bail should be the rule rather than the exception and stressed that the accused's version of events is completely different from that of the victim. Defence lawyers argued that fears of witness interference were not realistic, particularly since CCTV footage from the area ex- ists and once extracted, it would clearly show how the events un- folded. The defence added that the ac- cused has a clean criminal record. After considering submissions from both sides, the court denied the request for bail and ordered that the alleged victim testify at the next sitting. In the past days, the Malta Ranger Unit has prompted calls for increased police presence in the area by the Malta Ranger Unit, saying its rangers have wit- nessed multiple fights over the past two Sundays at the popular beach. The prosecution was led by In- spector Warren Galea together with Attorney General lawyer Jo- seph Camilleri Azarov. Lawyer Thomas Barbara Sant appeared for the accused. Mag- istrate Elaine Rizzo presided over the case. Teenager denies grievously injuring youth during Sunday Golden Bay fight Youths were left bloody after a fight at Golden Bay, the Malta Ranger Unit said, prompting calls for increased police presence in the area (Photo: Malta Ranger Unit/Facebook)