The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has said that it intends to formulate a new Policy and Design Guidance (DC 2014) under the Environment and Development Planning Act.

Prior to the formulation of these guidelines, the Authority is publishing, for public consultation a set of proposed objectives which will serve to guide the drafting of this policy document.

The proposed Objectives are:

The main aim of the new policy document, DC 2014, is to serve as a valuable tool for sustainable development planning, the enhancement of our rural and urban fabric and improvement in the quality of life.

The document shall be divided into three parts:

General policies which give a clear direction. These shall be mandatory.

Guidelines which are meant as an aid to encourage creativity, innovation, and suggest alternative solutions. Emphasis will be on aesthetics and the relationship with the contextual environment.

Technical details which consist of a list of mandatory standards to ensure high quality development.

This document is to conform to all strategic documents and policies published by the Authority. It should conform to laws dealing with sanitary, civil and accessibility issues together with other provisions and regulations.

The document is to address any existing inconsistencies, ambiguities and repetitions in MEPA policies and regulations and also make good for any omissions.

MEPA said that provisions which are found in the current planning document, which are thought to undermine the quality of our urban environment and quality of life, need to be eliminated.

“To revise the policy and design guidance for the Urban Conservation Area and Scheduled Buildings and to encourage good intervention practice.”

MEPA said that good practice guidelines on energy conservation, the use of renewable energy, and the sustainable use of natural resources, are to form part of this document.

“The final document is to be comprehensive, clear and user friendly. Visual aids in the form of illustrations, photos or sketches are to be included to encourage a high level of design and urban planning.

“This document should be forward looking and encourage innovative design, materials and emerging technologies,” MEPA said.

Individuals and organisations are being invited to send their submissions and comments on these objectives. Representations are to be made in writing to the:

Director of Planning, DC2014, MEPA, St. Francis Ravelin, Floriana. Or through e-mail: dc2014@mepa.org.mt

Submissions related to these objectives are to be received by the Authority by not later than Monday 17th February 2014.

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