The rationalisation of development boundaries is a transparent and open exercise that had been conducted in a proper and regular manner, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.

Speaking in parliament, Minister Pullicino said that this motion was the final stage of a process that had begun in 1988 when Temporary Development Schemes were drawn up to stop the haemorrhaging of land which was being lost at the rate of 200 hectares per year. This meant the loss of an area twice the size of Siggiewi every year, with development even taking place close to the gas plant in Birzebbuga.

The minister said that the 1988 revisions, which were hastily drawn up, could have created injustices and anomalies which had not been properly addressed until now with the Local Plan exercise. He mentioned cases in Birzebbuga, Marsaxlokk and Dingli where there were glaring anomalies, especially with plots that had been bought by engaged couples finishing up outside the scheme.

Minister Pullicino said that this was not a U-turn, as the PN had promised the eventual revision of development boundaries way back in the 1998 electoral programme. He said that the Cabinet had only provided guidelines to Mepa as to which land was to be eventually included in the development scheme.

Mepa had received around 5,400 submissions, he said, of which 4,000 were applications for land to be included in the scheme and 1,400 were objections. He said that Labour’s attitude in committee was rather strange, as the Opposition MPs had first voted in favour of certain plans (especially Tal-Papa in Birzebbuga) and then voted against others.

Mr Pullicino also tabled a document showing that a previous Labour government had submitted the land at Tal Papa for development in 1997. He said that the commission set up by the MLP in 1997 had proposed 1.1 million square metres for building, which was more than that which was being proposed by the present government.

He said that only 2.3 per cent of existing built up land (1.3 per cent of total land area) was to be included in the development schemes, with over 20 per cent of this land already built, including Mtarfa and Hal Farrug which had been constructed by the British but were without boundaries. This also included roads, government land, public spaces and existing built up areas.

Minister Pullicino said that it was clearly apparent that this exercise was extremely limited and the government had showed responsibility in finally addressing the TDS once and for all. He said that the Labour leader had acknowledged that revisions needed to be made to the development boundaries but criticised this government’s decision which was transparent and open.

The minister also criticised Alternattiva Demokratika’s submissions, which were mostly based on incorrect information. He said that those who had submitted their application had to understand that if their submission was not accepted, this was being done in the interest of all.

Dr Joe Brincat said that he would not be voting on this motion in Parliament as he was a member of the Mepa board, and he also confirmed that he did not make any submission in this exercise. He also commented on certain applications that did not make sense and had been included in the development zones.

Dr Brincat said that the tabling of amendments to the motion under discussion went against proper parliamentary procedure. He said that the little time granted for analysis of submissions for development was definitely not enough.

Dr Michael Asciak also spoke about the development boundaries exercise and criticised the Opposition for never acknowledging its guilt in the injustices perpetrated between 1971 and 1987. He said that it was incorrect to state that this process was not correct as it was fully transparent in all areas.

Labour MP Roderick Galdes said that practically everyone in the land was against this exercise except the minister and some contractors. He insisted that the Labour members voted against the motion on development zones in committee.

Earlier in the session, Mr Mizzi insisted that the resolution in Parliament was ultra vires as the motion in committee had been amended and the said resolution that was being presented in the full house was the same without any amendments.

Speaker Anton Tabone ruled that the allegations made by Mr Mizzi were without any basis and refused the Labour MP’s request, with Mizzi calling for a quorum. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that the quorum should not be used for disruptive purposes.

Minister George Pullicino then tabled an amendment to the motion, containing three minor revisions. This was hotly contested by Mr Mizzi and Dr Joe Brincat, who maintained that this procedure was illegal and against standing orders.

Rising again, Prime Minister Gonzi said that the laws in Parliament were supreme and although decisions can be taken at committee stage, the House eventually approves the law. Mr Mizzi maintained that extensive amendments needed prior notice of at least three days.

Speaker Tabone ruled that the amendment was acceptable to the chair.

Speakers during yesterday evening’s session will be reported tomorrow.