The proposed blueprint for Mepa reform "dangerously" concentrated the power to decide on permits in the hands of a few people, according to former Nationalist minister Michael Falzon.
Mr Falzon, who was the minister responsible for the creation of the Planning Authority in 1992, disagreed with the proposal to have the members of the Development Control Commission boards employed on a full-time basis.
He insisted this change would do away with the system of "checks and balances" that was in place allowing independent board members to contradict the case officer if deemed necessary.
Describing case officers as the "enemies of applicants", Mr Falzon said the reform made Mepa more efficient in refusing permits.
"I believe there is an inherent danger in concentrating power in the hands of fewer people," Mr Falzon said.
He also criticised the removal of permit reconsiderations, insisting the reform failed to address the concerns of the "little man".
The notion of shifting the policymaking function directly to the Office of the Prime Minister also came under fire.
"This goes against the spirit of the original concept to remove as much power as possible from the hands of ministers," Mr Falzon said.
On the other hand, Alter-nattiva Demokratika environment spokes-man Carmel Cacopardo wel-comed the proposal to transfer the policymaking function away from Mepa.
He said the Green Party preferred a situation where the planning and environment functions of the authority were separated, something which the reform did not consider.
AD applauded the reform's insistence on the need to channel negotiations on proposals for development at directorate level and away from the DCC.
However, Mr Cacopardo said the three-member boards could be too small especially when dealing with projects in sensitive areas.
He welcomed the proposal to appoint a full-time DCC since it addressed the conflicts of interest of current part-time members but criticised the fact that the reform did not contemplate a public hearing by a parlia-mentary committee for app-ointed board members to ascertain their suitability.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com