A decision on an application to construct a fireworks factory at, L'Awejna, Ta' Lumbara, Kercem, Gozo was once again put off over an issue with the plans.

The application was refusedl in October 2018, but since then the Explosives Committee and the Planning Directorate had given their go ahead.

But in a rowdy Planning Commission hearing on Tuesday morning, which was attended by several objectors, the board noted that the fireworks factory’s emergency exits would open onto farmers’ properties. The architect was asked to amend the plans.

The application saw quite a few objection letters received originally back in 2017, including by the Kercem local council as well as NGOs. Nature Trust Malta expressed concern on the development for example. An objection letter on behalf of the local council had read that the development would create danger to the Kercem residents since the transportation of fireworks material would be through the centre of the village.

It would also “affect the agricultural activity in the area and the farmers working these fields, and would also prejudice the enjoyment of this area and would neutralize any initiatives that the local council could do to promote the cultural, natural and historical heritage, such as the heritage trail in the Santa Lucija hamlet. It is concluded that the Local Council will continue to do its utmost to safeguard the rights of the Kercem and Santa Lucija residents, also in view of the petition signed by 1200 individuals.”