Brussels still deliberating on ODZs, two years later
Commission says extension of building zones ‘a highly complex case’
James Debono
Three years after then environment minister George Pullicino announced an extension of building zones, and two years since it warned government it had extended Malta’s built-up area without conducting an environmental impact study, the European Commission is still contemplating whether to start infringement procedures or not.
“The Commission intends to conclude its assessment regarding this highly complex case in the near future with a view to take a decision on the next appropriate step in the coming months,” a spokesperson told MaltaToday.
The fateful decision by the Commission on the 2005 extension to the development zones could affect hundreds of property owners, who were issued with permits on what were formerly “green areas” or outside-development zones (ODZ).
In April 2008 the Commission said it would decide on the matter by May that year. Since then, the Commission claims it is finalising its assessment of the “considerable amount of detailed information” provided by the government in response to its letter of formal notice of March 2007.
The Commission started procedures against Malta following a nine-month investigation commenced in June 2006, after a series of questions sent by MaltaToday.
Then in March 2007 the Commission issued a letter of formal notice reprimanding Malta for not conducting an impact assessment on its plan to extend the development zones.
On that occasion the Commission said that the “the amendments to development zones under the Structure Plan for Malta, without undertaking a strategic environmental assessment, were in breach of the SEA (Strategic Environment Impact Assessment) Directive.”
EU law states that an EIA should be conducted on any plan, commenced after July 2004, which has an impact on the environment.
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Search:
MALTATODAY
BUSINESSTODAY
Download MaltaToday Sunday issue front page in pdf file format
All the interviews from Reporter on MaltaToday's YouTube channel.
