Environment Minister Leo Brincat yesterday told property developers he had no intention of hindering future developments but was committed to promoting sustainable practices.

Speaking during a meeting with the Malta Developers Association, Mr Brincat said he would follow through an electoral pledge to rein in unsustainable developments but told the assembled developers he was not working against the industry.

“We are not in some tribal war against each other. We’re in the same boat.

“The Government and developers have to work hand in hand to ensure what is done, is done wisely,” Mr Brincat said.

We have to work hand in hand to ensure what is done, is done wisely

MDA president Michael Falzon acknowledged the need for environmentally conscious practices, but said further training was necessary.

“There’s only so much we can do. Malta isn’t alone in this. All over the EU, there is a push for training in sustainable practices,” he said.

The MDA recently became a member of EU developer lobby group UEPC. The association represents some 30,000 house builders and developers across the EU.

Mr Falzon highlighted the UEPC as a major avenue through which the association would seek to further develop local sustainable practices in Malta.

The meeting was held a few days after the planning authority announced it would review its local plans.

Described as an “environmental safeguard” by an authority spokesman, the plans regulate developments and earmark areas for residential, urban and commercial development.

The idea behind the review process is to identify shortcomings in the current plans and establish new areas for land use.

Mr Brincat noted the importance of the reviews but did not comment on the impact they would have on local developments.