Planners call on MLP to clarify intentions

The Malta Chamber of Planners yesterday expressed concern over reports of a statement made by Labour leader Alfred Sant, at a recent MLP activity in Gozo, about planning matters and environmental protection.

The chamber called on the MLP to make clear its intentions concerning these activities, particularly with reference to any changes it plans to make in the role of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

"It is not clear to the chamber how it is possible to manage the Maltese physical environment competently, while simultaneously suggesting that the institutions which have been specifically set up for this purpose be by-passed when certain decisions on specific projects have to be made.

"The chamber has been critical of the recent developments which have led to the formation of the MEPA. However, such criticisms have been made with a view that the institutional arrangements concerning land use and environmental protection be rendered more effective.

"Comments made by Dr Sant, however, give the impression that decisions on such projects have already been taken in the Labour camp, rendering evaluation by the relevant authorities (in this case MEPA) into a rubber-stamping exercise, if at all.

"It is for such reasons, and in order to avoid any misunderstanding, and in the interest of 'planning', that the Labour Party should put people's minds at rest as to what are its intentions concerning the MEPA and the land use planning function in the future sustainable development of the Maltese Islands," the chamber said.