In the coming days we shall be publishing aspects of the five local plans which the government has just approved. The local plans most recently approved are those of South Malta, Central Malta, Gozo and Comino, North West and the local plan for the North Harbour.

Should you wish to view the approved local plans you may visit our website on www.mepa.org.mt

What is a local plan?

A local plan deals mainly with land-use planning and development issues, and indicates where development can take place, what type and the criteria against which development proposals will be assessed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa).

Its main function is to guide development by seeking a sustainable balance between economic and social needs of the public, e.g homes, shops, employment, transport, recreation and community facility requirements) and the need to protect and improve the existing urban and natural environment and to meet future demand in a sustainable manner. This is a complex task as requirements are diverse and very often conflicting and the various individual interests have to be balanced against the needs and interests of the public.

Whereas the structure plan establishes an overall strategic framework for land use, local plans deal with area planning on a detailed basis and so respond to local issues.