Building policies are being published without a cohesive direction as the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development is not finished, according to the Nationalist Party.

In the past weeks and months, the planning authority has revised important policies affecting the strategic vision of planning, land use and the environment.

“Contrary to what is happening now, seriousness and logic demand that these policies should be built around the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development,” said PN planning spokesman Ryan Callus in a statement.

Mr Callus said that, as an Opposition representative on the Mepa board, he made an appeal for the government to halt more revisions before the plan is finalised.

Last week, Din l-Art Ħelwa also appealed to the government to complete the plan before introducing further policies.

“It is unfortunate that, until today, this request was not accepted with the excuse that the policies being revised will not affect the strategic plan.

“It is inconceivable how Mepa argues that policies such as the floor area ratio and development in the outside development zones do not affect the plan.”

The PN added its voice to the Din l-Art Ħelwa and Opposition calls.

“The PN reiterates that, for every policy published by Mepa, there should be allocated a period for serious consultation so that NGOs, social partners and the public would be able to give their reactions.”