The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has amended its policies on development control and design to promote high quality, sustainable development.

Stephen Farrugia, Mepa's director of planning, said the revised Development Control Policy and Design Guidance aimed at improving safeguards to the environment, making efficient use of land and encouraging development that was visually attractive and appropriate to its surroundings.

The level of aesthetics would be increased, as would the protection of urban conservation areas and traffic safety. For example, on parking areas and garages, there are nine new policies which set out design standards for different types of on-street parking arrangements.

Changes to existing policies also include the reduction in the width of a garage door opening and the introduction of additional requirements for fire escapes and ventilation for parking areas with more than 25 vehicles.

The policy document, which was approved in July 2000 and which came into effect in November that same year, was a complete overhaul of the DC1/88 guidelines. The revision has built on the experience of the last four years.

Mepa said a number of policies had been amended and 25 new policies have been added.

Mr Farrugia said many other changes in the revised DC2000 were clarifications or the addition of new criteria that reflect the experience gained in implementation.

Mepa, in collaboration with the Building Industry Consultative Council, will be holding a seminar for all interested parties at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Hotel on February 9 at 1 p.m.

Confirmation of attendance may be made via e-mail ruth.gauci@mepa.org.mt or by calling 2290 2015.

The draft document may be viewed on www.mepa.org.mt and comments and suggestions may be made until April 9 via e-mail at dc2004@mepa.org.mt or by mail to Mepa, Policy and Design Guidance 2004, P.O. Box 200, Qormi GRO 01.