Matthew Xuereb
Mepa should ditch unacceptable applications, PM says
The Prime Minister made a case for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to be able to ditch permit applications that immediately appear to be unacceptable.
Speaking at a business breakfast yesterday on the regulator's reform, Lawrence Gonzi stressed that Mepa should not waste time and resources on applications that architects know would not be approved.
The suggestion, which echoes proposals made by environmental NGOs, attracted a negative response from the architects present who questioned who would decide this before applicants are even allowed to make their case.
However, Dr Gonzi stuck to his argument and drew an analogy between architects and lawyers, pointing out that lawyers should be able to tell clients they have a losing case.
He even suggested that applications outside development zones should start with a refusal, placing the onus upon the applicant to convince Mepa otherwise.
While previous reforms at Mepa dealt with the length of processing a permit, this one would be looking at sustainable development, he said, pointing out that the whole change is linked to the new energy bills.
"How can people be persuaded to install double glazing, insulation on their roofs and photovoltaic systems if they are not paying for what they consumed," he asked.
He said Mepa was one of the most transparent authorities in the country with data on planning applications available from the comfort of one's own home through internet.
However, there is room for more transparency in the reasoning behind decisions that are taken, he said, qualifying that he felt some of the criticism levelled at the authority was not fair because there are positive aspects about it that need to be praised and acknowledged.
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Joseph E Briffa
Nov 22nd 2008, 10:35
Indeed the PM has a very valid point. Architects are familiar with local legislation and should be in a position to advise a would-be applicant about the chances of success of an application.. They should for a start advise their clients whether the proposed development is in line with legislation and, if it isn't, they should refuse to endorse it. Indeed in some EU countries if an applicant submits proposals for development that run counter to legislation the applicant is subject to a substantial fine and the architect concerned is severely reprimanded. The architect runs the risk of losing his warrant if he/she does it a second time. To me this makes alot of sense; would a lawyer for example accept to enter a plea in a court of law that goes against current legislation? We can all imagine what the reaction of the court would be if this were to happen. So why isn't the same practice applied to architects and their clients thereby sparing the processing authorities alot of wasted time energy and expense.
Jonathan Hili
Nov 21st 2008, 09:22
Praise and acknowledge Mepa. The same authority that approved the Mistra project. Of course. Now why didn't I think about that? This will be a hard sell PM. To give a positive spin to Mepa. Some marketing campaign. But then again why am I surprised? Anything is possible right?