The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has published the new revised Rural Policy and Design Guidance which will regulate the future use of land in Outside Development Zones (ODZ)

It primarily seeks to address the challenges and assist the agricultural industry. The new document states that any proposed development which would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the conservation value of any scheduled or protected area of ecological, scientific, landscape, cultural or archaeological value will not be permitted.

In addition, any development within ODZ areas will only be considered if it is directly related to agriculture, namely dwellings for dairy or swine farmers, greenhouses, for the creation of new boutique wineries, olive production facilities and agro-tourism accommodation.

This new policy is replacing three primary policy documents which were used by the Authority when determining proposed ODZ planning applications. These include the 2008 Policy and Design Guidance – Agriculture and Farm Diversification and Stables Policy, the 1995 Development Control Guidance: Development Outside Built-Up Areas and the Development Control Guidance: Swimming Pools Outside Development Zone which was approved in 2000.

A six-week consultation period was held and the Authority received close to 100 submissions on the proposed policies from the public.

Speaking at the press conference, Environment Minister Leo Brincat said that this policy will Prohibit proposals that will have a negative environmental impact. “One believes that the real test of these policies will be through the application and implementation of them”.

Parliamentary Secretary for Michael Falzon emphasised that these policies will not allow for the building up of ODZ area.

Some of the policies include the allowance for Swine and livestock farms to have a dwelling built next to them. It does not allow for the construction of dwellings on arable farms.