Refuse all ODZ applications, Nature Trust insists

Nature Trust (Malta) is recommending that no outside development zone permits should be issued except in the case of existing dwellings (extensions or repairs) and agricultural facilities -all other ODZ applications should be dismissed at source.

The recommendation is included in the NGO's proposals for Mepa reform which it presented to the Office of the Prime Minister. The document covers three main areas: the overall structure of Mepa, the boards and the reporting structure.

Nature Trust said it believes Mepa is unbalanced both in its operations and in terms of staff numbers, resulting in it being too biased towards development rather than environmental protection. "This is reflected in the number of officials with over 310 assigned to development and only about 90 to nature protection," it said.

It urged the Prime Minister to start the process of reform as soon as possible and suggested that until the reform is completed no decisions should be made by Mepa boards on mega projects and others that will have a negative impact on the environment such as the Mistra Ridge development, Ta' Ċenċ and Ħondoq ir-Rummien.