The Demography study was carried out by a team composed of a demographer, sociologist, health expert, economists and an information systems specialist in consultation with government departments and interested parties.

According to the projections of the study, population is likely to increase at an average 2,245 persons per year, reaching 434,000 persons by 2020. Every year some 1,600 new households will be formed but the average number of people per household will decline from 3.12 persons to 2.66 over the next 20 years.

The percentage of the elderly population will climb from 16 per cent in 1995, to 25 per cent in 2020, in turn resulting in a higher number of persons in institutions (almost 8,800 in 2020). The assumed annual average international migration will be 775 in 2020 based on recent trends and assuming an increase between 2005 and 2020.

A relatively higher proportion of the population will be residing in the Central Malta Local Plan area. Should the current depopulation trend in the Grand Harbour Local Plan continue, the resultant population in 2020 would fall to 6700 persons but the projections assume that policy measures could reduce the rate of decline to 13,800 persons by 2020.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 17th May 2001

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Appendices

The Retail topic paper was prepared by Halcrow Fox in collaboration with the Planning Authority. The study recognises the performance of the retail sector during the late 80s and 90s with consumer spending in shops growing by over 45% in real terms. Over the same period, many new shops were opened while others were extended, leading to a rapid modernisation of the sector.

The paper recognises the importance of tourist shopping to the Maltese retail sector, which accounts for an estimated 7% of all turnover in shops. There is also evidence of continued rapid investment in retail property development. Despite this rapid expansion and updating of the retail sector, the traditional pattern of small-scale retail provision, spread across many towns and villages, remained in place.

In addition to this, the retail topic paper observes a trend for out-of-town shopping and a parallel decline in the fabric and prosperity of traditional centres. According to the study, there is a need to encourage a more efficient use of retail facilities whilst encouraging a range and diversity of shops and services. The paper proposes the introduction of a hierarchy in retail centres to reinforce their vitality and viability.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 17th May 2001

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Town Centre Health Checks Forms

Maps Part 1

Maps Part 2

The Tourism topic paper analyses changes that have taken place within this sector over the last decade and observes that Structure Plan policies may not reflect current needs.

The trend towards an accumulation of tourist beds and a concentration of tourist facilities and activities in specific areas, has led to significant impact on the social and physical fabric of these localities.

According to this paper, there is a need to optimise the contribution of tourism to the local community whilst avoiding adverse physical and social impacts. The study highlights the need to encourage product development as opposed to accommodation. This may take the shape of redevelopment to allow diversification of the tourism product whilst at the same time upgrading existing cultural and coastal tourism facilities.

Management and proper planning of tourism activity and development in the traditional resorts to improve the quality image of these areas is seen as an immediate priority. Improvements in design should be promoted in the new Structure Plan through policies that consider the quality and characteristics of the area within which projects are undertaken. Likewise, appropriate and guided rehabilitation and improvement of rural resources could serve to promote rural tourism.

The topic paper also identifies a need to provide facilities to meet requirements for domestic tourism.
 
TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 17th May 2001

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Maps

According to the transport topic paper, the number of licensed vehicles increased dramatically (average 7,000 cars per annum) in the past 10 years, overshooting all projections made by the previous Structure Plan. By the end of 2000 there were 247,000 licensed vehicles using over 2000 km of road. Today, there are over 260,000 vehicles. By 2020 the number of vehicles per household is expected to come close to saturation. Bus travel now makes up only 12 percent of all trips in Malta.

According to the study on transport, walking has retained a basic level of trip making, while cycling and motorbikes constitute a very low proportion of total daily trips.

The main transport issues currently affecting Malta and Gozo are the impacts of cars on society, health and the environment. Congestion, noise pollution, air pollution, road accidents, as well as social impacts (such as reduced independence for non drivers), economic costs (including tourism impacts) are discussed in the paper.

The transport topic paper identifies a need to reduce the need to travel and dependency on cars while increasing patronage in public transport. Most of the new road space is planned within the temporary provision schemes and better management of the existing road network is also needed. Parking provision is another area that needs to be tackled by the Structure Plan. A major issue related to many of the transport problems in Malta is lack of co-ordination in the transport sector and the paper makes reference to the need for an Integrated Transport Strategy.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 4th December 2003.

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Appendices

According to the Housing topic Paper, the new Structure Plan will need to provide 41,200 dwelling units (including second homes). Yet a conservative estimate of current residential capacity indicates a clear over-supply, with the equivalent of 98,300 residential units being available within current housing allocations (excluding vacant property and relaxed height limitations in emerging local plans). Moreover, the Planning Authority has granted permission for an average of 3,000 dwellings annually between 1994 and 2000, despite household growth of approximately 1,700 between 1995 and 2000.

The current trend for residential development to take place in the Temporary Provisions Schemes has resulted in a sub-urbanisation trend that has depopulated Malta's older urban areas. 23 percent of Malta's housing stock is now vacant, of which 75% are new or in a good state. Only 36 percent are used as second homes.

New measures for providing affordable housing are also highlighted in the Paper, as is the need to increase the share of rental subsidy in social housing provision.

Finally, the Paper provides suggestions for improving the quality of the internal and external residential environment in Malta.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 1st March 2002

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Maps

The Leisure and Recreation study examined a variety of activities that generate spatial demands. The paper shows that demand for recreation provision has increased over the past decade. The study highlights the need to protect and upgrade the overall recreation provision emphasizing that standards of formal recreational provision need to be improved in urban areas where the average area per person (excluding promenades and piazzas) is 2.4m2 or less.

In coastal areas, there is a need to channel the demand for the provision of facilities towards already committed and developed coastal areas, whilst ensuring that conflicts for coastal use are reduced.

According to the paper's findings, more variety is called for in the provision and distribution of attractions and entertainment facilities, and more regulation is required to address the issue of distribution of catering establishments, major impact sports and land intensive sports.

The study recommends that existing facilities need to be better utilised to promote efficient land use. According to the paper, this can be achieved through multi-use and sharing. This is especially true in the case of sport facilities where a footprint of 2.3 million m2 has been recorded.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 22nd March 2002

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Appendices

Maps

According to the Coastal Strategy topic paper, current practices have led to a degradation of natural and cultural heritage on the coast and its diversity. The absence of stewardship of coastal and marine resources is identified by the paper as an issue which needs to be grappled with in the new Structure Plan. The paper suggests that legitimate uses, necessitating a coastal location for their operation, (e.g. marinas, fishing ports and public access for informal recreation) should be safeguarded through suitable Structure Plan policies.

The Coastal Strategy Topic Paper also identifies the need to address future development in the marine environment in a manner where economic development can take place without undermining natural resources and other marine and coastal activities. There is a need to encourage the rehabilitation of degraded areas, such as spent quarries and abandoned agricultural land, through mechanisms whereby the coastal character is safeguarded and promoted.

Efforts to safeguard public access and use of the coast must continue and expand to include the retrieval of coastal areas that are currently prohibiting access and use, particularly in degraded areas. According to the Coastal Strategy Topic paper, there is a need to reduce conflicts arising from a large number of land uses and activities in the coastal and marine environments, mainly by providing area management guidance and plans. The paper emphasizes the need to retain the distinctiveness of different coastal areas (predominantly rural or predominantly urban) by appropriate policies.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 22nd February 2002

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Appendices

Maps

Waste Management Subject Plan

Space for Waste - The Waste Management Subject Plan was prepared by Environs Aspinwall in collaboration with the Planning Authority, in consultation with a number of key players. It identified the need for sustainable waste management practice based on the waste management hierarchy, and to upgrade waste management infrastructure. Best Practical Environmental Option (BPEO) and Best Available Technique (BAT) should be adopted in waste management developments according to the Plan. Moreover, Malta should aim toward self-sufficiency in waste management capacity.

The plan points out that Malta needs to address the issue of dumping at sea, and to improve the development control regime, including environmental safeguards. It also promotes landscaping, restoration and aftercare of all waste management facilities. The Plan includes a total of 36 policies aimed at achieving these goals both at a strategic and development control level. The Structure Plan will adopt the Strategy proposed by this Plan.

SUBJECT PLAN STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 14th Dec 2001. Awaiting approval by Minister

Final Subject Plan

Public Consultation Summary

Key Diagram

Position Paper on Disposal of Waste at Sea

Public Consultation Comments

The Minerals Subject Plan was prepared by Entec UK in collaboration with the Planning Authority. According to the Plan, the volume of permitted reserves, at current production rates can see the Maltese Islands through for another 34 years (softstone) and 38 years (hardstone).

it is no secret, that quarrying generates significant environmental impacts that need to be more rigorously regulated. The plan finds it necessary to protect and safeguard mineral reserves which had previously been identified by a Minerals Resources Assessment. Alternatives to local mineral resources also need to be considered according to the Minerals Subject Plan, and it is important to encourage the re-use and recycling of inert waste.

The plan finds quarrying practices in Malta to be unsustainable and includes a total of 46 policies aimed at improving the current situation. The Structure Plan will adopt the Strategy proposed by this Plan. The Structure Plan will adopt the Strategy proposed by this Plan.

SUBJECT PLAN STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA on 8th March 2002. Awaiting approval by Minister

Minerals Subject Plan

The Employment paper examines industrial, office and warehousing space. The sections on industry and micro-enterprises build on the Industry Subject Study and Micro-enterprise Study commissioned jointly with the Malta Development Corporation (MDC) and the Institute for the Promotion of Small Enterprises (IPSE). The formulation of the paper necessitated wide-ranging consultation with unions, associations, professional bodies, parastatal and government bodies.

The paper shows that whilst most of the existing office floor space is in Valletta and Floriana it is poorly maintained and fails to conform to modern standards. The overall rate of approvals in the office sector has averaged 22,600m2 per year (1993-2000), and the primary requirement for the next twenty years is likely to be modernisation of office accommodation.

The rate of planning approvals in warehousing has averaged 31,400m2 per year (1993-2000) yet the provision of modern, centralised facilities is necessary to facilitate the relocation of inappropriate large-scale storage uses from residential areas.

There are about 3,780,000m2 of zoned industrial land in the Maltese islands which would be needed to satisfy the requirements during the plan period. There is also a need to secure a qualitative improvement of business premises, business relocation and efficiency improvements. In addition, the study addresses the issue of micro-enterprises and recommends allowing compatible micro industries in residential areas whilst mitigating their impacts.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 27th June 2002

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Maps

This topic paper was based on extensive consultation carried out with relevant public sector officials and non-governmental bodies. The findings show that demand for non-state provision of social facilities (e.g. education, health, facilities for the elderly) is increasing, while new social needs (e.g. pre-primary and elderly educational facilities, facilities to respond to drug abuse and mental health problems) are emerging.

According to the paper, the geographical distribution of social facilities also needs to be addressed by the Structure Plan to ensure that all communities are catered for (in terms of education, health, facilities for the elderly etc.), and to reduce the need to travel as far as possible (e.g. private schools).

The underlying theme of the study on social facilities is the need to integrate all sectors of society and to cater for all persons (including those with a disability and with mobility impairments) on the basis of their distinctive requirements, in all sectors (including housing, education, tourism, employment).

According to the paper, the Structure Plan needs to promote improvements in both the internal and external quality of buildings (such as schools and health facilities) and to improve efficiency in land use for new development and existing buildings, pointing out sites (e.g. the University, Addolorata Cemetery, St. Luke's Hospital) of strategic importance.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 12th June 2003.

Topic Paper

Topic Paper Errata Corrige

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

The Utilities topic paper reviews the sectors of water, energy, telecommunications, sewerage and post. It identifies the need to maintain and improve ground water quality, and to provide infrastructure for polishing groundwater.

Flood prone areas need further regulation in the Structure Plan and infrastructure is also necessary for the treatment of sewage and sludge.

The energy sector will need to increase fuel storage facilities and to improve energy infrastructure to meet development pressures, but environmental impacts and conflicts with residential areas also need to be considered.

The paper identifies a need for the new Structure Plan to promote renewable energy. It also notes that the telecommunications sector has undergone rapid expansion in recent years and that the new Structure Plan will need to facilitate further developments. However efforts must be made to secure a reduction in visual and health impacts caused by such developments, and to encourage shared infrastructure.

According to the topic paper, the Structure Plan should also facilitate improvements due in the postal service. In view of rapid developments and relocations, there is also an envisaged need to address the issue of redundant sites and installations.

The overall finding of this paper is the need for more co-ordination among the service providers to secure efficient land use and reduced impacts.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 12th June 2003.

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Maps Part 1

Maps Part 2

The Rural Strategy Topic paper examines the Maltese countryside and urban sprawl, rural settlements, agriculture, countryside recreation, and rural conservation.

According to the paper, rural areas are dominated by agriculture, and characterized by scattered clusters of development. It finds that the previous structure plan failed to address the issues of rural settlements and industrial clusters outside the development zone.

Several issues pertaining to agriculture are impacting on land-use, namely the quality of agriculture, land fragmentation, abandonment and viability. Intense agricultural practices and environmental impacts of farms are also the issues that need to be addressed within this sector.The future concern will be to promote diversification and plurality of activities, within a sustainable management framework.

The lack of managed public access, and the general absence of site management emerge as the main issues for countryside recreation, which need to be tackled by the new Structure Plan. The paper examines the Structure Plan's approach to rural conservation and finds that the current system of land designation and scheduling should be continued in future, but be supplemented by area management initiatives. The prevalence of conflicting uses and activities threatening rural areas point towards a need to encourage an integrated approach to rural planning.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final Draft was approved by MEPA Board on 12th June 2003.

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Maps Part 1

Maps Part 2

Maps Part 3

Maps Part 4 

The topic paper on Urban Conservation and Built Environment examines Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs), historic buildings and archaeology, and wider aspects of the urban built environment.

According to the paper, migration away from historic urban cores has increased and with it, the rate of residential vacancy and deterioration of the urban fabric. The paper points out that there is a need to conserve the character and identity of urban areas and that effective revitalization can be achieved by radically improving the quality of life within such areas.

With regard to Urban Conservation Areas, the paper finds, that although there have been some successful regeneration schemes, on the whole, little new development has taken place but much of the redevelopment which has taken place has been inappropriate, an issue that also needs to be addressed in the new Structure Plan. Character and quality of life have been eroded by small but cumulatively significant changes.

Strategic guidance at a Structure Plan level remains essential if the Maltese urban cultural heritage and archaeological sites are to be safeguarded. The topic paper points towards an integrated heritage management as part of the way forward. It suggests that more emphasis should be placed on the encouragement of appropriate forms of development and on pro-action and positive management. Conservation goals must be integrated with other strategies/policy frameworks, and local distinctiveness within and between conservation areas should be identified, safeguarded and promoted.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Final draft approved by MEPA Board on 6th November 2003

Topic Paper

Executive Summary

Public Consultation Comments

Maps 

A Public Attitudes Survey was undertaken at an early stage of the review. A representative sample of over 5,700 respondents provided insights on the public's perception of various land use issues. The Survey revealed that there exists significant concern with building activity (especially outside development zone) and with the need for conservation (particularly recreational areas, historic buildings and archaeological sites). Concern with waste and public cleaning emerged as one of the most important issues. The need to provide facilities in recreational areas also generated strong reactions as did environmental problems in coastal/marine areas, air pollution and transport-related issues.

TOPIC PAPER STATUS: Public Attitudes Survey was carried out in July 1999

Public Attitudes Survey Document

Appendix 1 - Questionnaire Maltese version

Appendix 2 - Questionnaire English version

Appendix 5 - Letter of Authenticity of data

Executive Summary - Public Attitudes Survey

The Landscape Assessment Study highlights the features and issues that influence the dynamic Maltese Landscape. It focuses on the influence of macro-features within the landscape but does not ignore the more detailed elements.

The study is undertaken in the light of the revision to the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands and within the framework of the European Landscape Convention.

For the purposes of this study, the term "Landscape" shall be taken to refer to the visual aesthetic component of the surrounding environment - that is, views as appreciated and interpreted through the sense of sight. This definition is compatible with that of the European Landscape Convention as it addresses the perception factor of a landscape through the human mind. The European Landscape Convention goes further by emphasizing on the fact that the "European Landscape" is a result of the interaction between natural and human agents.

This study shall focus on the macro elements of the Maltese landscape - that is those landscape elements which are relatively large components of the Maltese Landscape. Additionally, a large collection of small landscape elements are also considered to collectively constitute a macro element of the landscape. These are considered to be the essential character determinants and are ultimately utilized to develop the assessed landscape quality of an area. However, in the latter stance, the influence on a landscape is more difficult to quantify and analyse.

Landscape is one of the nation's primary natural resources. The quality of the landscape and its uniqueness contribute heavily to:

• Giving a sense of place and identity - distinguishing an area from all others: therefore rendering an area special and worth caring for.
• Inspire relaxation - especially as a relief from the tensions of life: therefore contributing to a healthy body and healthy mind.
• An experience with immense recreational, inspirational and educational potential - landscape being the result of a wide range of natural and anthropogenic forces which instil a sense of awe and wonder especially in individuals with considerable appetite for knowledge.
• Employment - especially in tourism related activities: tourism is one of the largest industries in the world and it is heavily dependent on the landscape quality.

SUBJECT PLAN STATUS: Draft issued for Public Consultation on 23rd September 2004.

Subject Plan

Appendix - Part 1

Appendix - Part 2 

Appendix - Part 3

Appendix - Part 4

Appendix - Part 5 

Appendix - Part 6 

The aim of the Issues Paper document is to collate issues from all the topic studies into a single document. Interrelationships among these issues will become clearer enabling structure plan policies to be written in an integrated manner.

STATUS: The Issues Paper has been approved by MEPA for consultation on 15th January 20

Issues Paper

The Strategic Growth Scenarios Paper develops and assesses broad strategic scenarios for the Structure Plan Review. Its key aim is to assess the implications of levels of growth in the housing and employment sectors, which the Maltese Islands may need to accommodate during the Review period. In this Paper, three strategic scenarios are developed and assessed on the basis of a technical evaluation, including transport-demographic modeling and strategic environmental assessment. A sectorially-specific strategy for the implementation of the preferred strategic scenario is also presented.

A strategic scenario is a growth option for the future, which is based on an integrated set of assumptions concerning key Structure Plan choices. The reason for creating and testing alternative scenarios is to ensure that all genuine alternatives for growth are considered and to ensure that the implications of these alternatives are examined prior to making choices for the future. Scenario development is an imaginative exercise, and a large number of scenarios for future growth in Malta could be developed. However, scenarios have been developed for this Paper on the basis that they need to address growth and locational aspects of housing and employment in Malta for the Review, assist MEPA in achieving the revised goals of the Structure Plan; and, lend themselves to be distinguishable from each other in terms of their overall thrust and purpose.

Three scenarios have been developed: the first describes the situation in 2020 if the current growth and locational trends continue, the second describes the situation if need-based housing is concentrated in existing built-up areas and moderate levels of growth in jobs are accommodated in town and employment centres, and the third proposes a scenario based on need-based housing concentrated to a lesser extent in existing built-up areas, and high employment growth, located in town and employment centres.

STATUS: The Strategic Growth Scenarios Paper has been approved by MEPA for consultation on 15th January 2004.

Strategic Growth Executive Summary

Strategic Growth Scenarios Paper

The purpose of this report is to set out the scope of the Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) being prepared for the New Structure Plan. This scoping report outlines the proposed SEA methodology and will initiate the environmental assessment process, which will be ongoing. The assessment will cover both the strategy formulation and policy formulation stages of the New Structure Plan process.

Scoping Report

Monitoring Report 1990 - 1995 Volume 1 Final Report 

Monitoring Report 1990 - 1995 Volume 2 Monitoring Data

Monitoring Report 1996 - 1997