The Siġġiewi Local Council has condemned this week's decision by the Planning Authority Board to approve a permit for a new crematorium in the rural Ta' Brija area.

Following an emergency meeting held on Friday, October 9, 2026, the local council agreed to appeal the approval of permit PA/07540/25. As part of the legal proceedings, the council is requesting an immediate suspension of the permit's execution and has expressed its intention to escalate the matter to the Court of Appeal if necessary.

The controversy surrounds the Planning Board's approval on Thursday, October 8, 2026, which granted permission to build and operate a crematorium facility on agricultural land in Ta' Brija, Siġġiewi.

Local officials argue that the development will inflict severe, permanent harm on the locality and its residents. Concerns raised in the motion highlight the destruction and industrialization of agricultural land, increased traffic congestion, and potential public health risks linked to toxic smoke and emissions.

The council further alleged that the Planning Authority's decision directly violates its own existing planning policies. It pointed out that no objective or scientific impact assessment was conducted to evaluate the potential environmental and health consequences for Siġġiewi residents. Additionally, the motion criticized the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) for failing to submit an official opinion on the project, despite being legally required to do so.

This emergency response follows an earlier position taken by the council on June 15, 2026, when members voted unanimously to formally oppose the initial planning application. In addition to legal appeals, the council is now organizing further local initiatives to block the construction. Officials plan to partner with external entities, community organizations, and resident groups to stop the project.

The approved motion, proposed by Mayor Ryan Cachia and seconded by Deputy Mayor Stephanie Vassallo, is being distributed directly to all Siġġiewi households and businesses. Copies of the motion, alongside requests for support, have been sent to key government officials, including Prime Minister Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Alex Borg, members of the cabinet, shadow ministers, sixth-district MPs, regional mayors, and local community organizations.