Second agritourism proposal for Gozo

An agritourism project is being proposed over an area previously earmarked for the development of a mushroom farm, in what is designated an area of high landscape sensitivity in the Gozo and Comino Local Plan.

The project, of over 5,810 square metres in size, is being proposed by Jochen, Stephan and Salvu Tabone on agricultural land along Triq is-Sarg and Triq il-Horg in Kercem.

An application to develop a mushroom farm on the same site was withdrawn last year, after MEPA’s Natural Heritage Advisory committee objected to the farm’s negative visual impact on views from Xlendi Road and Munxar. 

Plans seen by MaltaToday show proposals for 10 rooms of 28 square metres, a store and reception area, a pool and a breakfast area.

The land is part of “disused and derelict agricultural land” which has a shallow cover of topsoil for agricultural purposes, according to a study carried by the proponents of the mushroom farm. The area is described as highly disturbed, with a limited agricultural potential due to the impact of the prevailing winds, which is why most of the land is used for fodder crops.

An application to regularise an existing farmhouse in the area was approved in 2007, despite a clear recommendation by the case officer against the development. An application for an ODZ pool was turned down a year later, but the permit was approved at reconsideration stage in 2009.

This is the second agritourism project proposed in Gozo. Another is being proposed by Ta’ Mena Estates in Xaghra, which is to include a shop, a winery, tourist accommodation, interspersed over a larger 43,995 square metre site (which forms part of a larger land parcel owned by the same owners) in the Ta’ Srug area of Xaghra, most of which will be retained for agricultural purposes.  

The development will include 10 suites of around 50 square metres each, and a breakfast area (instead of an already existing room). The development will include a free-range area for the Maltese black chicken, beekeeping facilities and an olive press.

Through the new policy approved last year, owners of agricultural land can construct up to 10 rooms over 400 square metres of floor space. But the policy explicitly states that such development can only take place on 67,000 square metre holdings.

The approved policy states that any proposed building must accommodate 7 to 10 guest rooms, with ancillary facilities that can include a pool area and with buildings that does not exceed a total floor space of 40 square metres.