I refer to the claims made by Alternattiva Demokratika – the Green Party, regarding “the changes to the planning laws made in 2003” (TMID, 23 April). The last time the Development Planning Act was amended was in 2001 so it is unclear what AD chairman Harry Vassallo is referring to. Moreover, neither the planning law changes of 2001, nor the amendment to DC guidelines of 2005 involved relaxation of height limitations which would in any way have affected the skyline, issues of privacy or “the balance between towns and villages”.

If Dr Vassallo is referring to the Development Control Guidance, then he should state that in the amendments carried out in 2005, internal developments in Urban Conservation Areas were no longer allowed. This negates AD’s claim that regulations were amended to “appease developers”.

Dr Vassallo is quick to make sweeping statements about violations of EU laws, however he fails to mention a single EU Directive which denies member states the right to amend or update planning laws or regulations.

Furthermore, AD claims that a change was made to the regulations without stakeholder consultations. Once again, AD fails to be specific on this allegation, which the Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry categorically refutes. As far as this ministry is aware, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has always carried out exhaustive consultations whenever a planning policy is being drawn up or amended.

Ray Bezzina

Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry

Valletta