Rural Development Guidelines ‘should be withdrawn’

Front Harsien ODZ said in a statement it welcomed the fact that both the Labour and Nationalist parties are making it clear through their media statements that they oppose ODZ applications *for new dwellings in rural areas*.

While describing the application withdrawn by Toni Bezzina which would have extended three roofless rooms to accommodate a completely new dwelling, a drive-in and a swimming pool as unacceptable, Front Harsien ODZ notes that a number of similar applications involving the reconstruction of countryside ruins have already been approved by the Planning Authority thanks to the Rural Development Guidelines which were approved in 2014.

“The Rural Development Guidelines published in 2014 facilitate ODZ development which could have a terrible cumulative impact on Malta’s countryside. Given the recent statements by the two major political parties, we expect the government to ask the Planning Authority to replace the guidelines approved in 2014 with a more restrictive policy.”.

*In particular Front Harsien ODZ calls for a clear ban on the reconstruction of countryside ruins to create new dwellings and for the repeal of police 6.2.A. which permits the redevelopment of buildings with a historical or vernacular interest as dwellings and 6.2.C which permits the reconstruction of any building which existed prior to 1978.

*”Rather than simply exposing such cases when it suits partisan interests as was the case with One TV, which is usually non-critical on ODZ development such as the Zonqor proposal, political parties are expected to make sure that policies do not pave the way for more construction in the countryside.”

*Front Harsien ODZ also calls on all MPs on both sides, both as owners and in their professional role as architects not to exploit loopholes in existing policies to accommodate unsustainable ODZ developments.

Front Harsien ODZ has consistently objected to all unsustainable ODZ proposals in this regard.