'Time to change' at Mepa

An environmental NGO has questioned the reason behind the time-shifts at Malta Environment and Planning Authority Development Control Commissions.

Mepa announced that public meetings of DCC Boards will recommence on Tuesday, though these will be held in the morning rather than in the afternoon, as was the case until now. The authority's website statement claims that this change in schedule will benefit the applicants, architects and objectors. While holding the hearings during working hours will help both architects and developers, it certainly will not help objectors, many of whom will not be able to miss work for such sessions, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar said in a statement.

In the meantime, Mepa chairman Andrew Calleja released a letter sent to the Kamra tal-Periti, also in connection with the DCC sittings. Defending the authority's change of time, Mr Calleja said that public institutions regulated their administrative working hours without the need of consultation and this had no bearing on transparency and accountability.

He said such a measure was introduced in view of the clear administrative benefits to the operations of the authority and to the public, Mr Calleja said in the letter also copied to the Prime Minister.

Nevertheless, Mepa has asked for public reactions and was evaluating them during this trial period.

In another statement last night, Mepa said that for the duration of the public consultation period, any representees, including applicants, architects and objectors that have problems with attending any DCC hearing, may contact the authority on 2290 2108 or e-mail Marlene Attard, marlene.attard@mepa.org.mt to seek a convenient alternative appointment.

Public consultation is open until May 14.