The controversial developments planned in areas outside development zones (ODZ) will be the subject of a debate to be chaired by the Times of Malta on Wednesday.

Last June, over 3,000 people gathered in Valletta to voice concerns over the receding countryside, and to protest against the take-up of further land for construction outside development zones.

The protest was linked to a planned American University in Żonqor, but since then several other projects have come to the fore that continue to raise concerns on the protection of open spaces for the public.

The debate will also focus on amendments to regulations that are seeing ruins developed into villas in the countryside, and illegal buildings applying for sanctioning under the new rules.

Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon will explain the government’s position while confronted with concerns raised by Alan Deidun, environment columnist and council member of Din l-Art Ħelwa.

Labour MP Marlene Farrugia, who has expressed strong concerns on the use of ODZ land, will also feature on the panel.

Meanwhile, Malta Developers Association president Sandro Chetcuti will speak for the construction industry and Marthese Portelli will attend on behalf of the Nationalist Party.

The debate, entitled ‘Il-Futur tal-ODZ: Għal Maltin kollha jew għall-ispekulaturi biss?’ (‘The future of ODZ: For the Maltese or for speculators?’), will be chaired by the Times of Malta senior journalist Caroline Muscat.

The debate will broaden into a discussion on whether the necessary protection for the countryside is adequate and if its use is justified for economic development.

The debate, organised by Din L-Art Ħelwa, will be held in Maltese at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus in St Paul Street, Valletta, at 7 pm. Entrance is free. Any questions readers want addressed at the conference can be sent to: caroline.muscat@timesofmalta.com