Four eNGOs, in a joint statement, have said that after studying the proposed reform for the Rural Policy, they are of the opinion that this presents “a considerable improvement” over the present Rural Policy.

The NGOs are the Ramblers’ Association of Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth (Malta), Moviment Graffitti. The NGOs stressed that they are committed to continue contributing ideas for a further improved policy during the current public consultation.

The NGOs said that in general, the reforms represent stricter regulation of development occurring Outside Development Zone, resulting in an increase in environmental protection standards.

They also noted with satisfaction that the reform now includes proper safeguards for protected areas by including a general presumption against development with adverse effects on these sites.

The NGOs welcomed that the reform has added a number of additional safeguards to several of the policies which were liable to abuse and which caused the take up of fresh land in ODZ areas.

They highlighted in particular, dwellings for livestock farmers are now restricted to the curtilage of an existing farm, while the construction of new buildings for agro-tourism accommodation will no longer be allowed. Restrictions on the construction of wineries and similar buildings have been tightened to hinder applications by pretend farmers.

The NGOs pointed out that “one highly controversial point also finally addressed by the reform is the ban on the redevelopment of countryside ruins into ODZ villas.”

They welcomed positively the restrictions intended to safeguard the landscape from the excessive proliferation of agricultural ‘tool rooms,’ which construction will now only be possible for plots of land exceeding 10 tumoli.

“The requirements to tie the sale of agricultural buildings to the sale of the agricultural land is also an important advance to discourage construction in ODZ areas for speculative purposes,” the NGOs said.

The noted with satisfaction that the new policies also provide additional protection to countryside buildings of a vernacular nature in addition to those which enjoy scheduled status.

“The elimination of the use of concrete in relation to the provision of access to farms will also have a positive impact on the landscape,” the NGOs said.

One point which the NGOs said they felt “had not been adequately addressed by the policy is that extensions to existing ODZ dwellings will still be allowed, as this will compound the mistakes already committed in the past.”

The NGOs also felt that “the policy allowing redevelopment of existing countryside buildings not deserving of protection is too lax and may lead to eyesores on the landscape.”

They said that “it remains to be seen whether the ‘new general design principles’ (which are of themselves, a positive development) will provide an adequate safeguard against this danger.”

Another point which was not addressed by the reform, the NGOs said, is the construction of swimming pools in ODZ areas. They maintained that this is “not a legitimate use within the countryside and are disappointed that the chance was missed to deal with this problem.”

The NGOs concluded by expressing their appreciation for the fact that “this time round the Government showed itself willing to take on board a number of their proposals for the reform of the Rural Policy, contrary to what had happened when the previous policy was instituted.”

The proposed revised Policy and Design Guidance may be viewed on the Planning Authority’s website www.pa.org.mt/consultation.

Representations are to be made in writing and sent through e-mail address: rural.policy@pa.org.mt Submissions on the proposed policy document are to reach the Authority by the 24th of August 2020.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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