Superintendence firmly objecting to plans to transform an abandoned explosives factory in Dingli cliffs into a hotel • ERA, on the other hand, has dropped its original objections
ERA does U-turn on Dingli tourism complex
Favourable verdict for tourism complex on site of former fireworks factory despite earlier objection to having tourist facilities on Natura 2000 site
11 April 2021, 8:41am
by James Debono
The Environment and Resources Authority has dropped its original objection to a proposed tourist complex on the site of a former explosives factory in Dingli.
Although considerably downscaled, the project still does not address the ERA’s original concern about committing the disused factory to tourism-related development, which could attract such future development in the pristine area.
In a screening report on the current proposal, now proposed by Sunroute Hotels, the ERA said it favourably considers the 14-unit tourist complex as long as its impact can be mitigated. Sunroute currently operates Hotel Santana in Qawra, and is owned by the heirs of Albert Sant of JB Stores. The 14 units will be spread over 10, one-floor blocks, each with its own outd