The highly-criticised seven local plans will be overhauled and revamped through a wide-ranging two-stage consultation process launched yesterday.
Approved by Parliament in 2006, the local plans were harshly criticised for being implemented without any public consultation after a number of pockets of land, previously listed outside development zones, were included in developable boundaries through a rationalisation scheme.
If people want to suggest including their plot of land in the development zone, we can’t say they cannot
This time, however, the planning authority is opening its door wide open for comments, criticism, suggestions and feedback on how the local plans should be re-drafted and re-written.
Local plans dictate what can be built and where, down to the smallest detail. This includes building height limitation, commercial and residential zones, parking facilities and open areas and where schools and supermarkets can be located.
They also earmark areas for residential development, urban regeneration, social and community amenities, promotion of tourist activities, recreational facilities, employment and safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage.
A planning authority spokesman pointed out the importance of taking part in the consultation process, saying that local plans affected everyone.
Permits were granted according to the local plans and “if someone believes that the height limitation in a Sliema street should go down to two storeys then they can say so”.
When asked whether overhauling the local plans meant changing the development boundaries, the spokesman said they were not going to restrict the type of feedback.
“If people want to suggest including their plot of land in the development zone, we can’t say they cannot. It will be open.”
Local councils and all interested stakeholders are also encouraged to take up the initiative and be part of the three-month consultation.
The aim of the review is to identify any shortcomings that exist but, more importantly, to propose innovative ideas and recommend new land use purposes, the authority said.
Once the draft plans are drawn up, they will be published next year, and reopened again for a second public consultation, the authority said.
The authority “intends creating planning policies tailored to achieve a sustainable balance between the wide range of the public’s aspirations”. However, this can only be achieved if everyone takes part in the consultation process.
“Active participation is strongly encouraged so the authority and decision takers don’t just get the views of the vociferous few but would be in a position to gauge the aspirations of the many,” the authority emphasised.
Chairman Vincent Cassar said the authority was at a stage where “we need to look ahead and make a conscious leap to instigate and achieve quality in our built environment”.
Public consultations will take place as follows at 6pm: July 22 for the Central Local Plan, July 23 for the North West Local Plan, July 24 for the Malta South and Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan, July 25 for the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, July 26 for the Grand Harbour Local Plan and July 29 for the North Harbour Local Plan. Locations will be announced closer to the date.
Meanwhile, comments and suggestions can be sent to LP2013@mepa.org.mt or LP2013, Local Plans, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana by not later than September 30. For more information call 2290 1027 during office hours.