Marlene Farrugia presents parliamentary motion calling for moratorium on large projects

Independent MP Marlene Farrugia yesterday presented a motion in Parliament calling for a moratorium on large projects until a national master plan in drawn up.

In her motion, Dr Farrugia expressed concern about the number of huge high-rise projects being planned on both public and private land, which projects are higher than the average in the country.

No master plan existed in this respect, she added, and developers have no guidelines on which to draw up their plans.

Dr Farrugia added that such projects will have an impact on the infrastructure, environment, aesthetics, society, culture and economy. She noted that no independent Design Review Panel has been set up, as suggested by the Chamber of Architects to work with developers and designer for high-rise plans to be complementary to the existing skyline.

Dr Farrugia also noted shortcomings in the legal system with regard to ownership, maintenance and regeneration.

In this light, Dr Farrugia called on the House to establish a moratorium on such projects until a master plan, coupled with a relevant legislation, is drawn up.

This would enable investors to plan their projects according to established guidelines, and for the people to be given value for money for public land and residents in areas to be developed to plan ahead.