The aim of the new masterplan for a square in Victoria is "to do away with the haphazard way that tables and chairs are being placed now," the Lands Ministry has said.

It was responding to an editorial published by The Malta Independent titled "Table and chair squares", which made reference to a place in Victoria in Gozo, specifically the square outside the St George's parish church. "This square has been effectively over-run by tables and chairs put out by food establishments which border the square, while access has been blocked by souvenir shops taking up the narrow streets," this newsroom wrote. The Lands Authority has filed a masterplan to supposedly bring some regulation to how the square is laid out.  The editorial quotes a statement by the parish. "This is not a master plan, but a plan that strips the people of their rights," the parish said. "No one was consulted on this so-called 'master plan,' and the result is clear-rather than solving existing problems, it will only create more!" The parish pointed out that funeral hearses, wedding vehicles, and ambulances will not be able to get to the square under the proposed plans.

"The Lands Authority responded by saying that the criticism had been noted and that it would open a public consultation on the plans.  Now, imagine had the authority actually consulted with the necessary stakeholders before issuing a masterplan.  What a concept that would have been! It's clear that right now the authorities' only interest is to continue the status quo so that those already benefiting from it can continue to do so - even if it is at the expense of the most basic human dignity that people should have," the editorial reads.

In response to the editorial, the Lands Authority said:

"The proposed masterplan, which the Lands Authority presented to the Planning Authority for the issuing of a planning permit, is the normal channel that such a proposal must go through. This entails that the planning process will include consultations with all stakeholders, including Transport Malta, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, Local Council, and all objectors who will be able to air their views in the process."

"The aim of the new masterplan is to do away with the haphazard way that tables and chairs are being placed now. It must be noted that encroachment permits have been issued to catering operators in the past decades while the number of operators continued to increase creating a situation which is altogether different from what it used to be 20 years ago when the first attempt at a master plan was made. While the planning process will take its course, the government shall consider all submissions being made on the proposed Masterplan. The architect responsible for the application held meetings with all relevant stakeholders to discuss the proposal submitted to the Planning Authority. The objective is to develop a master plan that serves the best interests of stakeholders and the community."

"Through this proposed masterplan, the government is committed to finding the appropriate balance that serves both the public interest and the interests of commercial entities operating in the area."