The Dingli local council has lashed out against an application filed by the Justice Ministry to build a fireworks store in the middle of the countryside.

The ministry has applied for a full development permit to rebuild a fireworks store or factory to replace one which has been disused for years in the area known as il-Qaws in Dingli.

The council strongly disagrees with the government's plans and has filed an objection with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Standing outside the disused building, called Pulvich Explosives Industries, mayor Ian Borg said the planned development was in a protected site, classified as Natura 2000 and a special area of conservation.

The council was also concerned about the potential danger of storing a large number of explosives in one area and transporting them through the area.

The building would have around 36 stores - each the size of a large garage, Mr Borg said. This clashed with the council's plans to rehabilitate the area using EU funds, he added.

The council said it would wait for Mepa's decision and had faith the authority would fully consider its recommendations.

A ministry spokesman explained the process was still in its very early stages. It still had to be established whether the building would be used as a store or a fireworks factory. It all depended on the type of permit granted by the planning authority.

The present building was not being used and the ministry was trying to put the site to good use with all the safety measures required, the spokesman explained.