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HomeSeperatorMEPA NewsletterSeperatorOUTLOOK 2SeperatorDEVELOPMENT CONTROL PROCESS TO BE REHAULED

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PROCESS TO BE REHAULED

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An important aspect of the MEPA reform process involves the changes that are to take place within the development control process.

In line with the main objectives of the MEPA reform project, the main changes to be made to the development control process aim to ensure greater efficiency and improved consistency in the analysis and decision-making processes when it comes to development permission applications.

One of the major changes that is to take place involves the removal of the current ‘chess clock’ system. Today, the stipulated timeline within which MEPA should process an application is put on hold each time an outside entity, or the applicant’s architect, is consulted on the application in question.

However, the reform aims to tackle this issue and will instead introduce a more efficient ‘pre-screening’ system. This new approach will involve the implementation of a screening process before a development permission application is formally submitted to the Authority for consideration.

This approach will increase efficiency as it will allow MEPA to assess the quality of the application and request any certification or information required for the application to be complete, even before the development permit fees are paid to the Authority.

A third, equally important change which will directly impact the Development Control Unit’s work and the overall efficiency and consistency of the decision-making process is the fact that the Development Control Commission (DCC) is to be transformed into the Environment and Planning Commission (EPC) and is to be composed of full-time board members, as opposed to the current system where the  DCC Board operates on a  part-time basis.

It is also essential to point out that the Environment and Development Planning Act which will enable these changes to come into effect has currently reached the third reading stage and although it is very close to being finalised, certain changes may yet take place. Meanwhile, the draft Legal Notice – Development Planning (Procedure for Applications and their Determination) Regulations 2010, has been issued for public consultation and OUTLOOK will continue to report on the situation in the coming weeks.  

The Legal Notice may be downloaded from  http://www.mepa.org.mt/LPDocumentDetails?syskey= 1218