Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1298422
15 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 14 OCTOBER 2020 ŻCOMMERCIAL islands' spatial areas to avoid a one- size-fits-all approach. It, therefore, translates the country's vision of hav- ing a more efficient economy, more sustainable use of space and improved health and well-being into a spatial vi- sion for each area." e PA's Strategic Plan defines Mal- ta's urban areas as pollution-free, safe places to live and work, while its rural parts are green lungs that shall sustain farming and provide an escape from urban life. Malta's coastal and marine zones shall support fishing communi- ties, nurture biodiversity and maxim- ise sustainable socio-economic growth through initiatives like ports, power stations, reverse osmosis plants and connectivity cables to Europe. "Untangling development into a long-term vision with clear goals has been indispensable," the Assistant Di- rector remarks, "but long-term plan- ning is an uncertain activity because circumstances change. at said, the law prohibits reviews before five years, so now that the SPED is five years old, we can take stock. Where are we on our journey 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 be- ing urged to get involved through pub- lic 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_. attention to "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"