Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1421642
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 OCTOBER 2021 13 COMMERCIAL spatial strategy to ensure that the various national sectors and pol- icies are integrated and translated into the new Spatial Strategy, 6. A Development Capacity Study to identify poten- tial space across the Mal- tese Islands where future development can take place. The aim is to form a clear understanding of current land use and available capacity. This information will then be analysed in relation to needs for employment and housing projected in the other studies. 7. An Issues Paper to collate the main issues and con- clusions emanating from the other six studies. "These studies will help us form a picture of Malta's cur- rent land use , so we can then establish likely future scenari- os to plan for, as well as man- age our limited land and sea resources sustainably and in an integrated manner. But the process is extremely time and resource intensive," remarks Perit Borg. To date, Terms of References for every study have been set out, and all the studies have commenced. The entire review is proceeding along a timeline set to coincide with the con- clusion of the Issues Paper and formulation of future strategic growth scenarios. Specifical- ly, the Development Capacity Study is of top priority as it will inform the other studies in terms of space availablity required for future social and economic growth . "This current research stage is essential, but the most im- portant element of the SPED's review is still to come – and that's the public consultation phase," asserts Perit Borg in his closing remarks. "Once completed, we will publish the studies and invite the public to actively partic- ipate in the Review process through contributions and sug- gestions before we then com- mence with the formulation of the new Spatial Strategy. Since this is a high-level strategic document, we cannot cater for site-specific issues, such as the designation of individual sites for development. But the new Strategy will eventually provide the direction for future plan- ning policy and decision mak- ing by the PA going forward, so we encourage everyone to get involved in the public consul- tation next year." "We hope that there will be a healthy discussion, focused on our needs and a vision for the future of the Maltese Islands – one that will guarantee our wellbeing and foster our envi- ronment, whilst ensuring the required economic growth." For more information on the revision of Malta's Stra- tegic Plan for Environment and Development, visit www. pa.org.mt. Drafted by the PA and approved by Parliament, the SPED is the holistic blueprint for Malta's path to sustainable development. Now, the plan is undergoing its first revisionw