The Authority

How is the Malta Environment and Planning Authority composed?

Mepa is run by a Chairman who is appointed for three years and whose post may be renewed. He leads a board made up of members nominated by government, public officers, parliamentary representatives and Mepa officials. The Director General of Mepa reports to the Chairman. Mepa is run in three directorates: the Planning Directorate which processes development applications, the Environment Directorate which covers all aspects of environment protection, and the Corporate Services Directorate which runs the authority and is responsible for its information technology.

Who decides development applications?

That depends on the size of the project. Minor changes need only a Development Notification Order (DNO) and the process is normally very simple and speedy. Applications for larger developments are decided by three Development Control Commissions (DCC). DCC A is delegated to take decisions on applications falling mainly in white areas, villa development, major projects and applications falling outside the development zone. DCC B is delegated to take decisions on applications falling mainly within the development boundary and in industrial areas. DCC C is delegated to take decisions on applications falling mainly within the Urban Conservation Area and village core.

What about major projects?

The Board decides projects whose impacts on the economy and the social fabric are considered to be of relative magnitude. Mepa board provides strategic guidance for the Planning Directorate and the Environment Protection Directorate ensuring the organisation fulfulls its functions and responsibilities efficiently and effectively, in line with its legal obligations. The Board meets weekly to determine policies, plans, conditions and procedures on development control and environment protection.