Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1242414
30.04.2020 4 NEWS THE Building and Construction Agen- cy (BCA) was set up to create stability and accountability in the building and construction sector that fosters a bet- ter environment for all. Set up in 2019, as per Legal Notice LN192, the primary role and respon- sibility of the Agency is to help create better management of the building and construction sector. BCA is responsi- ble for the initiation of designs, as well as, the implementation and dissemina- tion of policies. It is also responsible for the consoli- dation and review of laws and regula- tions, the compilation of the minimum standards and best practices for the industry forming the national building code. ese building and construction regulations deal with the construction- al details of buildings and present the minimum required standards which safeguard all third parties that may be affected by the works. The Agency also regulates construc- tion related implementation methods, in-building physical in- frastructure and that buildings are ener- gy-efficient. Excava- tion works, demolition or removal of existing structures, building of additional storeys or load-bearing struc- tures and construc- tion of new buildings all form part of these regulations. When a planning permission is issued, it gives the applicant the right to build, modify, or retain a structure. is includes planning permissions regarding the use of land and build- ings and the impact such develop- ments have on the environment. After an applicant has been granted a plan- ning permission, but prior to the com- mencement of the works on site, the BCA steps in to regulate the construc- tion method. An architect must present a list of the individuals responsible for the execu- tion of the project to the BCA, as well as, various other documents such as the Method Statement. One must engage a warranted archi- tect to ensure that the proposal com- plies with the building regulations. e Agency will then communicate the clearance to the architect and devel- oper responsible for the development/pro- ject; which document is available to the pub- lic on the EApps portal which can be found on the website of the Plan- ning Authority. e Agency collabo- rates with other agen- cies, corporations, au- thorities, government and non-government entities to carry out its functions efficiently. e Agency is engaged in all the preparations to set up the Building and Construction Authority, envisioning a self-regulating building and construction sector with the aim of promoting peace of mind in the Maltese islands. For more information about BCA one may visit: https://bca.org.mt The role and responsibilities of the Building and Construction Agency