Environmental and heritage group Din l-Art Ħelwa has called on the planning authority to extend the deadline for submissions on its policy on outside development schemes.

The group said the public had only one week in which to react and make submissions about the review of the policy and design guidance objectives, which would affect and relax current policies on outside scheme construction.

The review was only announced by the planning authority three days ago, DLĦ said.

The objectives of the review are to consolidate policies into one concise document and ensure a balance between the protection of the environment and development in areas outside development zone. It also aims to improve upon the policies and simplify the planning process related to agriculture to assist farmers while encouraging water conservation and sustainable management of water resources.

The future of our countryside is at stake

The review looks into providing new opportunities for agriculture diversification by farm gate sales, visitor attractions and agri-tourism accommodation.

It will cover the redevelopment and rehabilitation of permitted buildings, including those constructed before 1967, to eliminate any damaging visual intrusion on the rural scene while making use of scheduled historic structures outside scheme.

The time for submissions was far too short for a public consultation exercise of this nature “when the future of our countryside is at stake”, DLĦ said.

Comment by the public on the objectives of the ODZ policies review will be accepted up to September 16.