The Environment Commissioner has still not received any official reply from the Government over a recommendation for a plan to regulate coastal and marine development.

In a letter sent on July 19 to Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia, commissioner David Pace put forward the suggestion as part of the ongoing consultation process for the revision of the local plans.

The construction that took place over the past 20 years was creating more pressure on land use, and the consultation exercise was “necessary” for it be regulated in a sustainable and integrated manner, it added.

When contacted, Dr Farrugia said a reply had actually been sent to Mr Pace, but pointed out that if he did not receive it, it would be resent.

In the letter, Mr Pace said coastal zones and surrounding marine area were “always subject to various pressures of development”.

Aside from the traditional use for fishing and swimming, other new means of entertainment and economic activity were being created for the sea.

Coastal zones and surrounding marine area are always subject to various pressures of development

These include nautical sports and diving that has developed into a new and important niche industry in tourism, as well as the fish farming industry, Mr Pace said in the letter.

Meanwhile, there was more awareness about natural heritage, ecology and marine resources that “necessarily need” to be given their due importance in the strategic planning of the use of these areas.

“I therefore believe one should take the opportunity to draw up a marine subject plan within the exercise that you are conducting,” Mr Pace said.

This plan would cover issues such as marine spatial planning and should serve as a guide in situations where there was conflict in the demand for use of the areas.

Any proposal for development, use of resources or conservation programmes would be considered in an integrated and holistic manner within its parameters, he said.

At the same time, anyone who would like to promote a project that affected these areas would have a clear indication whether the proposal would be “favourably approved”.

The suggestion was welcomed by environmental group Din l-Art Ħelwa, which pointed out that the maritime spatial plan was listed as a requirement of the National Environment Policy.