BirdLife Malta has presented its objections to MEPA regarding the recent government proposals to extend the existing building development boundaries.

In its letter, BirdLife Malta warns that this exercise will lead to increased pressure to extend building zones in future, and whereas social injustices might have taken place in the past, these inequities will not be corrected by overriding the planning processes of the country.

BirdLife Malta is concerned that the proposals create a negative precedent and will serve to build up further pressure on the land in future.

BirdLife Malta also strongly objects to the proposed setting up of a committee to evaluate requests for land to be included in development zones as this creates an anomaly in the planning process and leads to confusion and abuse.

BirdLife Malta contends that there is sufficient land to meet the need for new dwellings over the Structure Plan period, i.e. up to 2020. This is proven by the fact that MEPA is still approving a considerable number of applications for new dwellings even though urban development outside development zones is well restricted through planning policies. At the same time, BirdLife Malta is also concerned that over the past years there has been a drastic increase in Outside Development Zone applications.

BirdLife Malta therefore objects to the rationalisation of development boundaries and calls on the government and MEPA to withdraw the plans for the said rationalization exercise.

Further information about BirdLife Malta activities can be obtained by contacting the office on telephone number 2134 7646 or email info@birdlifemal ta.org, www.birdlifemalta.org