I refer to the claims made by AD regarding "the changes to the planning laws made in 2003" (April 23). The last time the Development Planning Act was amended was in 2001, so it is unclear to what Harry Vassallo is referring.

Moreover, neither the planning law changes of 2001, nor the amendment to DC guidelines of 2005 involved relaxation of height limitations which would in any way have affected skyline, issues of privacy or "the balance between towns and villages".

If Dr Vassallo is referring to the Development Control Guidance, then he should state that in the amendments carried out in 2005, internal developments in Urban Conservation Areas were no longer allowed. This negates AD's claim that regulations were amended to "appease developers". 

Dr Vassallo is quick to make sweeping statements about violations of EU laws, however, he fails to mention a single EU directive which denies member states the right to amend or update planning laws or regulations.

Furthermore, AD claims that a change was made to the regulations without stakeholder consultations. Once again, AD fails to be specific on this allegation which the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment categorically refutes. As far as this ministry is aware, Mepa has always carried out exhaustive consultations whenever a planning policy is being drawn up or amended.

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