A government-appointed board which reviewed the processes adopted by Mepa in issuing permits for film shooting at Dwejra has reported that 'by and large' the conditions imposed in the development permission were satisfactory but some conditions were not observed.

It said that while is is not possible for Mepa enforcement officers to be always present when development, even if lawfully sanctioned, is carried out, the Authority can be assisted in its enforcement monitoring duties through a condition in the development permission which requires a designate representative of the film company to be personally responsible for any breaches of the law.

In addition to the designated representative, the Mepa enforcement unit should inspect the development at regular intervals both when the set is being erected and when it is being dismantled. Furthermore, Mepa could involve environmental NGOs to assist in its enforcement duties.

The board said that while the current arrangements should be retained for the determination of applications for film-shooting on sites which were not considered sensitive, for the areas which were considered sensitive, the decision-making body should be the Environment and Planning Commission and not the Director of Planning.

Such applications should be fast-tracked, in view of their importance to the economy, with decisions being taken within five working days from submission. The decision should be endorsed by both the Director of Planning and the Director for Environment Protection.

A bond should be imposed which reflects the cultural and natural significance and value of the site.

The board suggested that Mepa could draw up a list of sites which were considered sensitive, so that the Case Officer and the Environment and Planning Commission would be aware of such constraints.

An alternative was for Mepa to grant permits to the Film Commissioner for film shooting in pre-identified areas, with the Commissioner giving a concession to local film companies. Mepa would draw a data sheet for each site, following consultation with the Film Commissioner and environmental NGOs, containing the general and special conditions for each site where filming could take place.

The board said there were not more than a dozen or so sites which were frequently sought for filming purposes and this procedure would speed up the application process.

The board also proposed new conditions to be imposed for filming permits, including the requirement of a mission statement, and an express provision requiring the applicant to report any damage caused to the environment where film-shooting took place.

The board said that the placing of artificial snow, crash scenes, helicopters and other flying objects, the introduction of non-native plants or animals and filming at sea should be considered as reserved matters which would need separate approval.

It also said there should be an increase in the bank guarantee for film-shooting in environmentally sensitive areas and full insurance coverage.

The board also recommended the setting up of a Film Shooting Board to approve general standard conditions and discuss related issue. The board would include the Mepa chairman, the Director of Planning, the Director of Environmental Protection, the Enforcement Director, the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, the Film Commissioner, the president of the Local Councils Association and two representatives of environment NGOs.

The report was signed by Prof Kevin Aquilina and Dr Simone Borg.

The full report can be seen by clicking the pdf below