PA Backs Crematorium on Protected Land Near Siggiewi Cemetery

The Planning Board is set to consider the application on 8 October. At the centre of the debate is how the project is being classified. The case officer is treating the proposal as a cemetery extension rather than a standalone crematorium, allowing it to be assessed under the 2015 Cemeteries Policy instead of the 2024 rules that restrict such facilities to areas within 1km of Malta's Principal Urban Area.

Critics, including environmental groups and the Siggiewi Local Council, argue the proposal should be judged under the newer, stricter policy. The 11,615 square metre site includes roughly 2,900 square metres of agricultural land and falls within several environmental designations, among them a proposed Area of High Landscape Value and an ecological corridor. Objectors raised concerns over landscape impact, emissions, groundwater and cumulative rural urbanisation, whilst the Agriculture Advisory Committee initially objected before later withdrawing its opposition after the land was assessed as having low agricultural value.

The applicant states the facility is intended to address national demand, noting that cremation requests currently have to be fulfilled in Sicily. Is classifying this project as a cemetery extension, rather than a standalone facility, a sound application of planning policy? Source: Malta Today