11
TOWNSCAPES
connectivity cables to Europe.
"Untangling development into a long-
term vision with clear goals has been
indispensable," the Assistant Director
remarks, "but long-term planning is
an uncertain activity because circum-
stances change. at said, the law pro-
hibits reviews before five years, so now
that the SPED is five years old, we can
take stock. Where are we on our jour-
ney to 2035?"
Reflecting on the road ahead, Perit
Scalpello explains that, as the SPED
review kicks into gear over the next
few months, the general public is being
urged to get involved through public
consultations. "e SPED is written
with the public in mind, so despite
its depth, it's a very straightforward
and easy-to-read booklet, and its re-
view will affect Malta's future in terms
of development. Public interest and
awareness are vital. Everyone should
speak up at this policy-drafting stage
because, ultimately, the outcome will
affect us all.
"What do you think has or hasn't
worked and where is our strategic plan
lacking? Now is the time to partici-
pate because the policy decisions of
today will impact the PA's judgements
of planning applications tomorrow.
And once the controlling framework
is established, applications that are
fully compliant will likely be approved.
So, while you might not be interested
in development at the minute, your
neighbour is sure to be – but when
their planning notice is pinned to the
wall outside, it's already too late."
Malta's Strategic Plan for Environment
and Development can be accessed via
https://issuu.com/planningauthority/
docs/sped_approved_doc__1_.
paying attention to
8.10.2020
"Everyone
is urged to
participate in
the SPED's
review
because
the policy
decisions
of today
will impact
the PA's
judgements
of planning
applications
tomorrow"
