Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1425443
11 COMMERCIAL 4.11.2021 6. A Development Capacity Study to identify potential space across the Maltese Islands where future de- velopment can take place. e aim is to form a clear understanding of current land use and available ca- pacity. is information will then be analysed in relation to needs for employment and housing pro- jected in the other studies. 7. An Issues Paper to collate the main issues and conclusions em- anating from the other six studies. "ese studies will help us form a pic- ture of Malta's current land use , so we can then establish likely future scenari- os to plan for, as well as manage our lim- ited 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. e entire re- view is proceeding along a timeline set to coincide with the conclusion of the Issues Paper and formulation of future strategic growth scenarios. Specifically, the Development Capacity Study is of top priority as it will inform the other studies in terms of space availablity re- quired for future social and economic growth . "is current research stage is essen- tial, but the most important element of the SPED's review is still to come – and that's the public consultation phase," as- serts Perit Borg in his closing remarks. "Once completed, we will publish the studies and invite the public to active- ly participate in the Review process through contributions and suggestions before we then commence with the for- mulation of the new Spatial Strategy. Since this is a high-level strategic doc- ument, we cannot cater for site-specific issues, such as the designation of indi- vidual sites for development. But the new Strategy will eventually provide the direction for future planning policy and decision making by the PA going for- ward, so we encourage everyone to get involved in the public consultation 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 environment, whilst ensuring the required economic growth." For more information on the revision of Malta's Strategic Plan for Environment and Development, visit www.pa.org.mt. "We are identifying past and present development trends to determine how our Spatial Strategy can ensure that future development does not hinder the lives of future generations."