ADPD – The Green Party Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo, has said said that land use planning is always controversial because it involves tough decision taking on competing land uses. “When such decisions are not taken in the interest of the whole community the damage done is substantial.”
At a press conference today, Cacopardo stated that, “currently 7 local plans are operative together with a document on the ‘Rationalisation of Development Zone Boundaries’ which when approved in 2006 signified that two million square metres of land outside the development zone was now considered ripe for development.”
“The Greens have since 2006 been highlighting the negative consequences of this decision. Most of what our party predicted has occurred or is occurring. Whole areas all around Malta are being developed as evidenced by the protests of residents in all localities,” he added.
The Party said, “let’s forget once and for all the Marsaskala marina project but also add that if the Jerma site cannot be used strictly as a hotel it is returned to the public as an open space – in this way even this majestic tower which is being returned to its former glory may be enjoyed also from the coast as had been the case for centuries.”
Cacopardo stressed that, “the revision of the local plans should commence the soonest leading to new plans which are to the benefit of the whole community and not catering for the speculative interests. It is essential that the development zone boundary is restored to its 2006 position as far as is possible. It is not possible to keep developing further land.”
He concluded by saying that, “a sizeable portion of the two million square metres ear-marked for development in 2006 is still undeveloped and can still be saved. In land use planning, environmental protection and improvement in the quality of life should be the primary objectives to be attained, even before any economic considerations. This is the only way we can address the negative accumulated impacts of speculation and speculators on the whole country.”
Photo: ADPD