The draft outside development zone policy and design guidance, issued for public consultation by the planning authority, was forward in an information vacuum, without any supporting studies and assessments, Din l-Art Helwa said.

It said in a statement this was an example of piecemeal planning without any strategic or long-term vision whatsoever.

"The main emphasis of this document is clearly on establishing ways to permit and construction in ODZ areas, and not the protection of the countryside.

"The ODZ policy should be shelved until further information and studies on the current situation and requirements in the countryside are put forward for evaluation and discussion. Without this assessment, the entire document is premature and superficial."

Din l-Art Helwa said the proposed policy made absolutely no attempt to ensure that development was sustainable. The idea of sustainability was hardly even mentioned, let alone assessed, throughout the entire document.

"Din l-Art Helwa contends that the ODZ policy must safeguard and protect the rural environment as a precious resource, and counteract the urban sprawl into the countryside.

"More emphasis must be placed on the protection of rural landscapes, ecosystems and biodiversity. Malta’s ODZ policy should highlight the conservation and restoration of all natural habitats in the countryside, and safeguard them against pressures from development," it said.

 

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