Cabinet is expected to discuss a document on the long-awaited reform of the planning authority in the coming weeks.

The consultation process on the reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority was launched in July, two months after the election, during which the Prime Minister pledged to personally turn around the fortunes of the beleaguered authority, a move which is widely believed to have played a pivotal role in securing another victory for the Nationalist Party.

"I have made my position clear that, as a policy, we need to move towards a principle where there is no development in outside development zones except in exceptional cases such as agricultural projects, for example," Dr Gonzi had said.

Not much happened since except for the appointment of a new chairman, Austin Walker, who has so far managed to steer the authority away from controversy.

The consultation process has now ended, a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed, pointing out that a document with the proposed reform will be presented to Cabinet in January and published immediately after. The reform, the spokesman added, is aimed at increasing efficiency and quality of service while also improving transparency and accountability.

The reform will also attempt to eliminate "inconsistencies at the decision-making level", the spokesman said "and, above all, strengthening enforcement mechanisms".

During the consultation period, the government sought feedback from stakeholders, including environmental NGOs, representatives of architects and planners, Mepa employees, civil society and the public.