Clear, clean and transparent

I refer to the letter "Clandestine Mepa" (May 3).

Every application received by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority goes through an established procedure. Following the evaluation by the Planning Directorate, the application is considered by the Mepa board or the appropriate Development Control Commission (DCC) and a decision to refuse or to grant the permit is taken. During this applications stage, objectors are given the right to participate.

A Planning Appeals Board set up by the President of Malta listens to appeals from decisions taken by Mepa and DCC boards.

The functions of this board are clearly stated in the law. Mepa appears before the Planning Appeals Board as one of the parties defending the original decision.

The Planning Appeals Board is independent, autonomous and, as such, not in any way answerable to Mepa.

Indeed, it provides the citizen with redress from decisions taken by the authority.