Environmental lobbyist accuses government of ‘ignoring’ majority's stand against development

Environmental lobbyist Astrid Vella has hit out at the government for "overlooking" the people's stand against more development in Malta, claiming the government is not listening to the majority.

"Rather than addressing the people's worries and stands against over development, the government is instead widening its policies to facilitate more development and the building of taller buildings and the ODZ policy," the Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) spokesperson said this evening during the government's public consultation meeting in Pembroke.

The latest MEPA policy on outside-development-zone construction (ODZ) has been the foremost bone of contention between environmental lobbyists and the government and its Environmental and Planning Authority.

However, the issue reached boiling point last October after MEPA - seven months into the government's legislature - approved the Mistra redevelopment project.

Earmarked for the development of 744 units, the Mistra project led to a protest against what environmentalists perceive as a culture of redevelopment. The protest, which saw hundreds demonstrate against Malta's overdevelopment, saw Astrid Vella accuse the authorities of affording little consideration to the environment.

In a fresh call to the government, the FAA spokesperson insisted that development tops the majority's worries.

"It is not true that the government is listening to the people. The majority's worries are falling on deaf ears and rather than addressing their stand against over development, the government is ignoring them," Vella argued.

While being cautioned by presenter John Bundy to make questions rather than statements and booed by the people in attendance, the FAA spokesperson also accused MEPA of overlooking and badly treating the public and environmental NGOs.

Moreover, Vella said that overdevelopment in Malta has given rise to numerous health issues, amongst which included psychological problems.

On his part, Developers' President Sandro Chetucti, who was also present at the government's consultancy session, said that it is not fair to make a sweeping statement that the majority of Malta is against over development.

"Yes, over development is an issue, but it is unfair to make a blanket statement and to say that everyone is against development. The majority is in favour of pro-business - a feat which can be facilitated by the development of new buildings," Chetcuti said while referring to the government endorsing itself as 'pro-business'.

Taking a dig at the "lack of sound groundwork" that MEPA inherited, the developers' president said MEPA is sick, but insisted that it cannot get better within a short time span.

On his part, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Michael Farrugia acknowledged bad policies surrounding development, but insisted that it is his job and prerogative to amend them.

"Yes, there are many unused and vacant buildings and this should be addressed. There are also bad policies regulating development in Malta. At the end of the day, this is my job and I am tasked with amending them," Farrugia argued.

Responding to Astrid Vella's comments, Farrugia called on the FAA spokesperson to keep her feet on the ground and to see how things are done.

Farrugia also explained that in line with the government's electoral pledges, it is addressing the "excessive" red tape and bureaucracy levels that have hindered operations.

Turning his attention on the quality of property in Malta, Farrugia argued that IIP beneficiaries will contribute to improve the quality of these properties.

The revamped citizenship scheme requires applicants to invest at least €350,000 in property - a clause which according to the parliamentary secretary will improve the quality of property and make Malta one of the best in Europe.

Moreover, the parliamentary secretary paid tribute to the MEPA's enforcement actions against illegalities and said the government will not accept more illegalities in ODZ sites. He also underlined that the Outside Development Zones (ODZ) policy is not facilitating more development, but conversely, "it is highlighting and addressing those issues which do not effectively regulate development in Malta."

The MEPA board's approval of the new ODZ policy saw environmental NGO Din l-Art Helwa and the Nationalist Party up in arms with MEPA after its board revised the policy without first approving the Strategic Environmental Impact and Development test. According to EU legislation, an Environment Impact Assessment is required for any formal plan deemed to have an impact on the environment.

Some of the changes include that any new development within ODZ areas for the creation of new boutique wineries, olive production facilities and agri-tourism accommodation will only be considered if they guarantee a minimum number of full time employment while a new policy has also been included which clearly states that any proposed development which would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the conservation value of any scheduled, protected area of ecological, scientific, landscape, cultural or archaeological value will not be permitted.