The government has just approved five local plans drafted by MEPA for all localities in Malta and Gozo. This completes the set of Local Plans for the Maltese Islands.

The local plans most recently approved are those of south Malta, central Malta, Gozo and Comino, the northwest and the local plan for the north harbour.

The Grand Harbour Local Plan was approved in 2002 and the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan in 1995. These came into effect on 3 August.

The local plans aim at regulating development both on a regional level and also at local locality level. To do this the local plans provide for urban regeneration, conservation of architectural heritage, 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 offices in Floriana.