The proposed policies for outside development zones and floor area ratio were too restrictive as imposed and left little room to encourage investment, the Malta Developers Association said.

“In relation to ODZ projects, the MDA notes that it is not viable for an investor to acquire 60 tumoli of land so that he is then only allowed to build on 400 m2 and, more than that, will have restricted use of the property.

“While the ODZ policy’s intention is the foster interest for more aesthetically pleasing and better quality projects, these policy provisions have to be practicable and viable. Once again, the policy is restraining those who would convert ODZ atrocities to more aesthetically pleasing buildings,” it said

The MDA said the FAR policy was requiring the tall buildings to be built only on four streets, which meant that these were not economically viable. The MDA recognised the fact that in the past this policy was damaging to the environment in the way it was being implemented.

“However, it is now clear that we have gone to the other extreme and it is going to be very difficult for one to create a quality project of superior aesthetics.

“n the fact that these tall buildings cannot be accommodated in Gozo, despite the MDA’s agreement that Gozo is a sensitive location, it understands that places like Marsalforn, where there was already a commitment, consideration had to be given to at least double the stipulated height in the Local Plan, so that even there provision will be made for public spaces through this policy.”

The MDA appealed to the government for common sense to be adopted and for it to seriously consider its proposals so that there would truly be sustainable development.

“The MDA notes that a lot of the criticism that is being made does not even reflect what is truly provided in the policies, which, in its view, are even stricter than what there is at present.”