The Planning Authority categorically denies claims that, through the launch of its new website, it is "depriving or restricting the public from accessing development planning application information."
Earlier today, Front Harsien ODZ called on the Planning Authority to immediately reinstate the facility to search for all pending ODZ applications in each locality of Malta and Gozo and the facility to search all pending planning enforcements in each locality of Malta and Gozo.
"Earlier versions of the website always included the facility to search pending applications and enforcements by locality and by designations like Urban Conservation Areas and developments proposed Outside Development Zones," Front Harsien ODZ said.
"In this way, Local Councils, NGOs and the general public are being deprived of a valuable tool to scrutinize all pending applications including those presented in the past and those which have still not been published in the government gazette but which have been given a PA number."
"Although the present website still gives viewers the opportunity to view applications published in the government gazette each Wednesday, the present website is deprived of the facility to search all pending application in each locality and to do so by ODZ or UCA designation. Moreover past website also gave viewers the opportunity to search applications by street or location as an alternative to the geo-server where the viewer has to have clear knowledge of the exact geographic location of a development.," Front Harsien ODZ said.
Front Harsien ODZ described the latest changes to the PA website as a step backwards in terms of transparency and is calling on the PA to immediately reintroduce the features which have been removed from the new website.
The PA, in its statement responding to the NGO, said that its digital platforms which include the website, the GeoPortal and the e-Applications system are all inter-related to provide the public with the highest level of transparency.
"The new website provides the public with weekly lists of all planning development applications it receives by locality. To facilitate the user experience, the website also allows the user to view the list of planning applications it receives depending on whether the site is within an urban conseration area (UCA) or outside the development boundaries (ODZ). The website also provides the user with a calendar facility showing the daily agenda of planning applications that are to be decided upon by the executive council, planning board or commission. Together with this the facility also provides the daily decisions taken by the respective board or commission. "
"The website also provides the public with a list of all the enforcement notices the Authority would have issued the previous week. The website’s search facility allows the user to search all applications, whether they are PA applications, planning control applications, DNO applications, regularisation applications or enforcement notices. All information pertaining to a particular case is provided once this search is activated. All planning information and plans are still accessible through the Authority's Geoserver and e-application system which have direct links from the website. Over the coming weeks the Authority will continue to work and upgrade its digital platforms to keep enhancing the user experience. "
The website was launched this morning at the Planning Authority headquarters in Floriana. The newly designed version of the website, as described during the launch event, aims at making access easier to essential services and planning information.
Development Notification Order (DNO) and compliance certificate applications shall be incorporated into the PA's online e-applications systems within the coming fortnight, making it faster and simpler for architects to submit applications.
Johann Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Planning Authority said that the authority heard a lot of complaints that the website was too heavy and cluttered. That is why a new design was commissioned. He said now the website is more flexible and for the first time, will offer a separate page for services to professionals and services for the public. Buttigieg believes that through this website, the number of people who would need to visit the PA premises will be reduced. Response time is also expected to be cut down drastically.
The website services will also incorporate further communication with ARMs limited so that it makes applications easier.
Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Chris Agius said that this will remain the PA's aim, to make information more accessible and fresh for users.
No water or electricity services are provided for by Enemalta or Water Services unless an applicant is in possession of a valid compliance certificate. While the new online system will retain all the existing requirements, all documentation will now have to be submitted electronically. Furthermore, communications with ARMS shall also be done digitally, improving efficiency even further as information becomes available instantly throughout the processing and eventual issue of the compliance certificate.
DNO applications cover any proposed development which does not have an impact on the site context and on neighbouring residences. There are 19 category classes of permitted development which include internal alterations, roof structures and more. Certain minor works that fall under the DNO such as the placing of water tanks, photovoltaic panels and more do not require any form of notification to the Authority. Submissions of DNOs and further communication with the Perit and applicant will now be carried out digitally, providing enhancements in efficiency and the availability of information and documents.