The Marsa local council has called on the planning authority to refuse the application for a fish market because of the lack of parking space and concerns about its proximity to the abattoir.

The Resources Ministry announced last year it planned to move the fish market, known as Il-Pixkerija, from Barriera Wharf in Grand Harbour to a state-of-the-art facility in Albert Town in Marsa. The new market, financed mostly through the European Fisheries Fund, would be located on the site of a former reverse osmosis plant, next door to the abattoir.

On Thursday, Malta Environment and Planning Authority chairman Austin Walker postponed the decision to consult the veterinary services on whether having a fish market next to an abattoir would present any health hazards.

The project had been recommended for approval by the case officer. However, the planning board said that before giving the go-ahead it wished to consult the veterinary services over whether there were any safety concerns.

The issue will be discussed again by the Mepa board within a month when parking arrangements will also be tackled.

The Marsa council welcomed Mepa’s decision while appealing for the regulator to remain sensitive about the issue and refuse the project.