Thursday, 9th July 2009 - 12:27CET
Policy-making role to be transferred away from MEPA
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
Various MEPA policy functions are to be transferred to a new policy unit within the Office of the Prime Minister in terms of the long-awaited reform of the authority, announced today by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. The authority will then focus on its role as regulator. It will also no longer be responsible for transport planning, mineral resources, climate change issues and the management of construction sites.
One of the main priorities of the new policy unit will be to draw up policies on development in outside development zones, the aim being to introduce zero tolerance. The unit will also decide issues such as local plans, and the floor area ratio (and height) of buildings.
The reform lays down that the authority will have two Development Control Commissions working full time, rather than part-time, as at present. Their chairmen will both be deputy chairmen of the MEPA board, providing for better consistency in decision making.
There will also be a new Enforcement Unit to strengthen the law enforcement role of the authority.
When development applications are filed, there will be a voluntary screening process whereby applicants will be able to speak to MEPA so that they can be given directions on how their applications can best conform to policies. Such meetings will be recorded in the respective files.
When applications are submitted, a unit manager will classify them as straightforward or complex. Straightforward applications are to be decided in up to 12 weeks while those that are complex can take up to a maximum of 26 weeks. In applications for outside development zones, straightforward applications will take up to 26 weeks and the complex ones up to a year.
All parties affected by proposed developments will have the chance to submit arguments before the DCC.
The MEPA board will henceforth include a representative of environment NGOs and an expert on cultural heritage, both nominated b the government.
The Appeals Board is to be replaced by a Planning Review Tribunal which will have the right to stop development if there is even a third party appeal in some circumstances, particularly in sensitive areas.
The concept of Outline Development Permits will end, but applicants will be able to ask for a brief from MEPA before submitting an application. The application has to include the consent of the land owner.
The concept of reconsiderations will also stop, but applicants will be able to appeal, or submit fresh applications.
Applicants will have a duty to inform their neighbours by registered post of their planned development. In sensitive areas, including ODZs, information billboards outlining the plans will have to be set up.
Where environment impact assessments are required, the developer will still be able to choose his consultants, but MEPA will be able to vet their work. There will also be a register of consultants.
The MEPA Audit Office will become an office under the Ombudsman, but MEPA's own internal audit office will be strengthened.
Further details can be found on www.opm.gov.mt/mepa . The Times will be carrying full details in a supplement tomorrow.
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Comments
Of course farmers should be allowed to have some sort of development. How could they otherwise develop agriculture. But it is a different thing having a small room, water reservoir (which would also attract wild life), a windmill to pump up water and other agricultural requirements, and it is a totally different kettle of fish to have a villa.
As for CNI did I mention it anywhere?
True but should these people turn their Tv sets to NET Tv or maybe read In-Nazzjon? The thing is that one party paints everything black and the other paints everything white. It is the individual who has to filter the information given.
With reference to your last post, I agree with your proposal but MEPA's problems or rather, matters of concern are more related with bigger projects / applications.
Although the initial application would have still be made to MEPA, it could be easily adjudicated and moved forward to the one of the 4 district boards to be disposed by in less the 8 weeks from the date of application.
Well said.
Galea L. take a hint from Carmelo Dalli. Educate yourself then comment on issues that you are not abreast with.
Please keep the CNI out of this; just teasing. lol!!!!
mistra scandal when A.Sant uncovered the scandal the whole pn machine went into action to hide the proportion of the scandal and after the election the whole truth came out which showed the true gonzipn credentials regarding eviorment abuses and still more is being uncovered as the bahrija case has proven.
So many promises broken by Gonzi, and yet when the moment came the Maltese Electorate trusted Gonzi to Govern for another FIVE YEARS.
Waht is the nexttune please? Cause this one you cited have become a broken disc by now,
How wrong are you my friend. Gonzi was held accountable by the highest court of the land that is you, me and the rest of the Electorate. We all know what the verdict was. Please no crocodile tears, and come back that Gonzi only won by 1,500 votes.
Thank you.
Perhaps the Gloom and Doom messengers the type of reform that wanted to bring to MEPA is in the Form of a GURU Minister like the late Lorry Sant, God bless his Soul, wherever he is.
"Straightforward applications are to be decided in up to 12 weeks while those that are complex can take up to a maximum of 26 weeks."
Why should straightforward applications take 12 weeks to decide? THIS MEANS 3 MONTHS GONZI
Why should complex applications take 26 weeks to decide? THIS MEANS 6 MONTHS GONZI
"In applications for outside development zones, straightforward applications will take up to 26 weeks and the complex ones up to a year."
If ODZ means OUTSIDE DEVELOPMENT ZONE, THEN NO DEVELOPMENT CAN TAKE PLACE GONZI
meta qed titkellem f'dan is-sens dwar l-ODZ tidher illi ma tafx ezatt xi tfisser ezatt ODZ. Jekk per ezempju jien bidwi, irrid naghmel serra, ukoll ghandi bzonn permess. Allura jekk il-Gvern jaghmel kif qed tghid inti u jwaqqaf l-ODZ anke ghal bdiewa, fejn ser jinbnew il-gwiebi u s-serrer.
Ejja ma nhalltux affarijiet m'ohra, il-Gvern minhabba l-biedja ma jistax iwaqqaf totalment l-ODZ, alla hares jaghmel hekk.
Naqbel imma li jkun hemm zero tolerance ma zvilupp ODZ li mhux marbut ma biedja.
If ODZ - means Zero Tolerance - how can it be that ODZ applications are still acreened for 6 months. Is this a case where the government wants still to leave open the chances to continue eradicating the little greenery that's left or the little townscapes/townhouses left !!!!!
This is ridiculous. MEPA has always been in favour of Developers (not all developers are wrong mind you) but very rarely in favour of the common citizen. MEPA should be regulated by an external auditory system and NEVER through a voiceless Internal Auditor (the current Auditor is doing a great job, but he is always silenced by the top brass).
GonziPN stop trying taking us for a ride please. And this statement is not a political one rest assured, but a plea to stop this country from getting worse through MEPA decisions.
" . . . do you blame the public for being naive?"
What do you mean by "naive"? It doesn't make sense. Are you sure that was the word you wanted to use?
1 Is this a return to PAPB whic was heavily criticised because it fell under a minister?
2 The trouble with boards, committees etc is with the yes-men that occupy such boards. Will these now have equal nos between the govt, NGO's and opposition and with chairperson acceptable to all.?
3 Whose job is it now to close, if not all, as many as possible of the loopholes?
4 Is this a fait-accompli or is it still open to reasonable amendments?
5 Are practicing architects totally excluded from the decision-process?
Hallina sabih!
politically accountable for any scandals or any wrong doing no matter the extent of the case.
Case in point Bahrija case The PM stated if the permit was legal theres nothing he can do.He ommitted to mention that if mepa rules and ethics were not followed the permit will be revoked.Mepa for gonzipn is just a smokescreen to hide behind.Judge us by our deeds according to gonzi and thats what we are doing.
Gonzi promised to reform MEPA in last year's electoral program. He basically has 5 years to fullfill this promise and yet he is doing it after just one year.
If you are one of the many Labour elves writing on these blogs trying to discredit everything Gonzi attempts doing, please grow up and lets criticise constructively.
Remember Labour had another 4 years in opposition don't make it worse for yourselves.
Take for example the Mater Dei Hospital & the MIA terminal - both on ODZ! But do we need these buildings? Yes sure! Should we build a hospital or farms of that size in a residential area? can any1 imagine the smell & complaints?
My point is that ODZ permits are permissible ONLY to infrastructure which is vital to the island & not to certain individuals. I hope this reform really goes on
re C. Calleja
"Various natural sites were destroyed in the '70's and '80's, when a certain Minister played God with planning decisions"
Allow me to add: Breaching of the Valletta fortifications behind il-Pixkerija to form a fourth entry into Valletta; breaching the St Angelo bastions to bridge the top part with Vittoriosa.....
Do you want any more??? Just ask!
Where do you live Mr. Meadows, because I live in Siggiewi and I can assure you that you would not want a pig farm as your neighbor!
Since Mr Gonzi pn makes alot of promises and NEVER KEEPS THEM , do you blame the public for being naive . Johnny Citizen has reached a point of no return and does not believe a word from Gonzi.
"One of the main priorities of the new policy unit will be to draw up policies on development in outside development zones, the aim being to introduce zero tolerance." - A ridiculous statement.
ODZ should mean "NO DEVELOPEMENT in this area"
The problem is that legislators always leave loopholes for the unscrupulous to exploit.
"Give Power to those who already have plenty! "
A few days ago people were screaming in their megaphones that they wanted the PM to "intervene" in a MEPA decision. Why didn't you speak out then, against "politically orientated" decisions?
Speaking of Labour, what are they waiting for to give us their opinion? Or will they now expect everyone to stop and wait for them and act as though there is no policy to work on???
Where would you propose building e.g. a poultry farm or digging an irrigation reservoir? Perhaps you think that the main square of your town is an ideal location for an engineered landfill. What would you say if your neighbour decided to keep a few cows in the yard? At least you'd have fresh milk.
Let's have zero tolerance and not even discuss any application ODZ but refuse them outright - is that what you're saying? Are you sure?
Who is closer to the public then the Prime Minister?
With the Policy functions being transferred to the PMO, now the Prime Mister is directly responsible and accountable for Policy decisions taken and cannot hide behind MEPA.
Perhaps more power to those already have plenty, but they would be held directly accountable for decisions taken. What is wrong with that?
Various natural sites were destroyed in the '70's and '80's, when a certain Minister played God with planning decisions. Armier, little Armier, L'Ahrax, Mellieha Bay, Gnejna Bay, Shall I go on?
So stop playing politics.
Thir aim is nefarious. Get the MLP into Govt at ANY cost.
Imma kif dejjem tridu tmaqdru. Dejjem negattiv !! possibli ma tiddejaqx habib !!
I think its a positive move in the right direction. Well done on this one Mr. Prime Minister.
Sixth paragraph reads: "In applications for outside development zones, straightforward applications will take up to 26 weeks and the complex ones up to a year."
I would have expected "zero tolerance" to mean that one needs not even apply or if there is an ODZ application it does not need to be discussed...but is outrightly refused.
Give Power to those who already have plenty!
what are your criteria for the negative comments ? have you managed an in-depth study of the new proposal ?? The reform proposal has barely hit the news and you already seem to know all about it ... unbelievable !! You probably didn't even bother read the article !!!!!!!!!
I think its a good sign that NGOs are finally going to be represented on the MEPA board as this will surely help curb abuse !! as for the rest of the proposal im not an expert like A.Grech but time will tell us if this works or not.
Various natural sites were destroyed during the past years (under the responsibility of Dr Gonzi - 2004-2009).