I refer to the letter titled Mepa Appointments Are Bad News by Victor Laiviera (November 5).

It is evident that Mr Laiviera has little knowledge of the planning system and of Mepa. For example he claims that 15 members of the board are government employees. In fact, eight members are independent members appointed in most cases from outside the civil service and a further two represent the main political parties.

In accordance to legislation, one of the eight independent members is required to be "a person with knowledge of and experience in matters relating to the environment". Vince Attard was appointed to replace Louie Cassar, another person from the environment sector. Incidentally there were other persons who in the past were appointed from the environment lobby including one member from Din L-Art Helwa. It must be emphasised that contrary to what the Labour opposition said last week in a press statement, in all cases these persons were and are appointed by the government in their own personal capacity and not as representatives of an environmental NGO.

It is also worth noting that environmental NGOs have made a request to the government to increase the number of persons appointed on the board who are actively involved and more knowledgeable on the environment. The government is currently considering an amendment to legislation to heed this request.

Mr Laiviera links the constitution of the board to increased threats to our natural/historical heritage. Mepa decides on the basis of various policy documents including the Structure Plan, local plans, development control guidance 2007 and other documents. All Mepa and DCC board members are bound to adhere to policy. These policy documents provide ample protection to our natural and historical environment, something which Mr Laiviera is not willing to acknowledge.

Finally, Mr Laiviera refers to Andrew Calleja's re-appointment as chairman for a further one year. Mr Calleja has given a sterling service to Mepa and to the community at large, in difficult circumstances. Inevitably, development is a contentious issue with people for and against development proposals. It is no easy task to guide the decision process in a manner to arrive at the most appropriate decision in line with policy.