The lengthy process regarding local plans finally came to an end on Monday, with the Cabinet approving five local plans in various areas of the islands.

The plans also include the new development zones as recently approved by Parliament in a stormy session a few weeks ago.

The plans become effective as from 3 August.

The local plan process began in 1993, when the then Planning Authority started a consultation period during which members of the public were asked to include their submissions for inclusion in the plans. The first plan to be approved was for the Marsaxlokk Bay area in 1995, followed by that for Grand Harbour in 2002.

The five local plans approved on Monday are as follows:

South Malta Local Plan, which includes detailed boundaries for towns and villages such as Zejtun, Fgura, Tarxien, Mqabba, Kirkop, Safi and Zurrieq;

Central Malta Local Plan, which features towns such as Mosta, Naxxar, Gharghur, Attard, Lija, Balzan, Birkirkara and Iklin (heavily built-up areas that also include some interesting architectural and landscape features);

North West Malta Local Plan, which includes the vast sprawling town and confines of Rabat, Mellieha, Siggiewi, Dingli and Qrendi; and

North Harbour Local Plan, which includes the densely populated towns of Sliema, Msida and Gzira, together with St Julian’s, Pieta’, San Gwann and Pembroke.

Finally, the Cabinet also approved the plan for Gozo and Comino.

The local plans aim to regulate development both on a regional level and also on the level of localities. To do this, the local plans provide for urban regeneration, the conservation of architectural heritage, the promotion of tourist activity, improved social and community amenities and aids to industry.

Copies of the local plans are available on www.mepa.org.mt and are for sale as hard copies, at Lm150 for each local plan, at Mepa’s offices in Floriana.