Marsaskala local council objects to Munxar agri-tourism village

The Marsaskala local council has unanimously voted against the proposed 80,000 square metre agri-tourism village on land at the Munxar area of Marsaskala, that will also provide boat trips to coastline cruises, a beach club service and ancillary pool “to serve to an alternative to the beaches when needed located next to the agro-tourism accommodation.”

The South-End Agro-Tourism project, proposed by contractor Rennie Scicluna, has already been met with disfavour from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in a screening letter.

The local council – whose mayor had come out in favour of the development of the American University of Malta on ODZ land at Zonqor Point – said in a statement that protected zone at Munxar – also ODZ – should be left in its “natural state”.

The council went on to suggest that the area should be adjoined to the Delimara Park for the general public to enjoy it.

MEPA has told the developer that his proposal is not in line with the Rural Policy and Design Guidance’s policy 4.4 (4) because it falls within a Level 2 Area of Ecological Importance, unless it can be demonstrated that the development will not compromise the site scheduling characteristics.

The entire land, currently used for fodder, will continue to be used for agricultural purpose but other crops instead of fodder would be cultivated. Two floors underneath the agro-tourism lodging facility will be excavated “instead of building scattered buildings... much more efficient and sustainable.”

According to Scicluna’s project description statement, the fields he owns are already being used for crop farming activates along with hunting and trapping uses. The coastal area is also already being frequently sought for swimming and summer boating purposes.

“Insofar as an environmental characteristic of the agricultural land is concerned, the site is a typical Maltese agricultural land, containing three small plots. The soil depth is less than two feet in its average, containing mainly silty-sandy soil. The plots are terraced on three levels with rubble walls. Having a lack of water supply at the site makes it only viable to be cultivated by winter crops such as fodder crops,” the project development statement reads.