A planning application for a massive solar farm on agricultural land in Mgarr has been rejected by the Planning Authority.

The case officer’s report read that the site in question, located Outside Development Zone, consists of an area mostly characterized by a mix of cultivated agricultural land and fallow/abandoned fields, in an area known as Tar-Raghad. “The total site area is of circa 44,500 m² and the surrounding areas consist largely of agricultural land and is neighbouring the Mgarr Development Zone.”

The application proposed the construction of 90 greenhouses, covering a total area of approx. 14,100 m² and the installation of 5,784 Photovoltaic Solar Panels (PV Panels) on the roof of the proposed greenhouses.

The application received a large number of objections.

Part of site is located within an Area of Ecological Importance (AEI). The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) stated that the proposal raises concern from an environmental point of view, as: The actual height of the proposed greenhouse structures is excessive and would lead to visual impacts onto the surrounding areas; Approximately 43,000sqm of rural land would be taken up; And that this proposal runs counter to the Solar Farm Policy of 2021 since the site is located in the open countryside. The Agriculture Advisory Committee had also objected.

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, along with the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, also raised their concern with regards to the negative visual impact of the proposal.

The case officer had recommended that the project be refused.

The application went before the PA Board today, and was rejected.