Development boundaries: Mosta valley

I refer to Edward Camilleri's contribution (July 21) regarding amendments to the development boundaries which are being made close to Mosta valley.

These very minor changes will not release any virgin land for development, hence they should not have any impact on the nearby valley, as alleged by Mr Camilleri.

The only adjustments that are being proposed refer to existing buildings which previously had the line of the development boundary passing through them. This is now being rectified so that the new development boundary includes the whole depth of the existing buildings.

This effectively means that in the case of redevelopment, the owners of the present plots will be allowed to do so on the footprint of the existing buildings.

Moreover, it must be pointed out that this proposal was made by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority through the Central Malta Local Plan which was issued for public consultation in July 2002.