Heritage and heavy responsibilities

I refer to the article which referred to Malta Environment and Planning Authority board member Joe Brincat MP criticising the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage for not commenting on a particular sensitive issue before the board, in this case an application for a thallaso therapy unit at Fort St Angelo. He is of course quite right to expect comment, but in the circumstances the criticism is rather misplaced.

With regard to the circumstances of the case the Development Brief was granted by the government (indeed by Parliament) before it went to Mepa. Consequently, both the Planning Directorate and the Superintendence are in effect almost powerless to act, but can only modify the proposals. We shall see that there are more horrors to come out of this development brief, most significantly the proposal to build a large two-storey building directly in front of the historical gate of St Angelo. A more insensitive brief, totally out of place and lacking in any historical perspective or appreciation of one of Malta's prime monuments, key to some of the country's most eventful periods of its history would be difficult to find.

So why does the Superintendent not reply. The Superintendent is charged with being the champion of Malta's cultural heritage. It can and does act as regulator. However, when it comes to planning, it essentially has an advisory role with two principal tools: to advise Mepa to schedule or in extreme cases to expropriate. (Note it is Mepa who actually do the scheduling.) Mepa board members therefore, as well as the DCC board members, have the main burden of granting planning permission (as does the all) powerful appeals board!) on applications before them. Fingers should not be pointed at the Superintendence as a reason why permits are granted.

Board members should not grant permits where there is doubt. Presumption should be against development on historical properties of such importance. It should be remembered the developer always has the right of appeal, while heritage has not!

Furthermore the Superintendence is woefully under resourced - having but seven qualified staff to carry out its burdensome responsibilities. It does respond to most large public projects of national interest but cannot be seriously expected to comment on all development applications unless it is given resources commensurate with its responsibilities. It was therefore heartening to hear the Minister for Culture state that further resources should be on their way. The sooner the better.

It is a heavy and onerous responsibility to sit on the planning boards at Mepa. With them lies the protection or destruction of Malta's natural and cultural heritage. We ask them to tread warily.