The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) said it is carrying out a review pertaining to the provision of policy 5.2 - Horse Stables and Horse Riding facilities/Establishments within the 2014 approved Rural Policy and Design Guidance.

The purpose of this specific review is to tighten up the policy against any possible abuse in the change of use of horse stables and related facilities into alternative undesirable land uses. The review also seeks to further mitigate the adverse visual impact that these structures may create within their environment.

The revised policy is proposing that each individual stable is separated by a two meter gap from the neighbouring stable. 

Additionally, basements beneath horse stables and related facilities are being removed from the policy. The Authority has noted that while this development can lead to major disruptions in the rural area, it far exceeds storage requirements and results in the possibility of inappropriate change of use from that intended.

Through this review, the Authority is also proposing to eliminate the provision which facilitates the conversion of existing buildings that have architectural, historical or vernacular significance in rural areas into horse stables or horse riding facilities.  This recommendation is being made in view of the fact that although the reuse of such prestigious buildings is fully supported, these should not be promoted to be reused for horse stables or horse riding use but should be reused for much more appreciative land uses such as visitor attractions and/or agro-tourism accommodation. In most cases from MEPA’s experience the reuse of such assets for animal related land uses has been detrimental to their cultural value and has led to a deterioration of these sites.

The full proposed review document can be viewed on the MEPA's website www.mepa.org.mt/public-consultation.

Individuals and organisations are being invited to send their submissions on this proposed policy review in writing through e-mail: [email protected]

Submissions are to be received by the Authority not later than Monday 14 March 2016.