Environment NGO Din l-Art Helwa has written to the government and Mepa calling for the striking off of two clauses in the new Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). 

The clauses state that where no other feasible alternatives exist in an urban area, development may be permitted outside development zones.  Furthermore, projects which are of a sustainable nature can be permitted outside development zones  “as a last resort where it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.”

DLH said that the retention of these two clauses would be fatal for the countryside, rural areas and the coast.

"This wording introduces uncertainty, can be applied very broadly to many development schemes and thus creates loopholes that can be utilised to bring development into protected areas.  They render null any improvements that have been incorporated into the final SPED draft," the NGO said. 

It insisted that this new legislation - which replaces the Structure Plan - is not fit for the purpose for which it was created.  However these two clauses render the plan vague and equivocal and therefore deny the SPED the essence of clarity it is required to have according to legislation. 

"Good governance and therefore good legislation is what we expect of our politicians, not because NGOs ask for it, but because a responsible government should work for the common good’, Simone Mizzi, president of Din l-Art Helwa said.