Planning Authority reviews 2019

The Planning Authority continues to strive for technological advancement by investing in ICT to consistently deliver quality and timely service to its customers. Last year, the Authority’s core business functions continued to become more automated.

The strive towards extending teleworking capabilities amongst the Authority’s workforce also started bearing the desired fruit. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights how important the Authority’s approach and implemention strategy taken over the past few years has been. The Authority has managed to continue offering its services to businesses and individuals alike.

In 2019, the objective was to reduce business continuity risk and a number of measures were implemented which included the upgrading the authority’s server room, the setting up of an off-premises data continuity centre and increased electronic security. The Authority also continued to improve its eApplications system by ensuring that all types of applications are available through this portal.

The Authority also started a scanning initiative as part of the Document Management System Project, with the aim to digitise all non-digital PA applications from 1968 to 2006. Furthermore, the Authority programmed a new app which increases the visibility of all types of planning applications.

The number of planning applications received during 2019 decreased compared to the previous year. Although this is so, the Authority still received a significant volume of applications, requiring timely responses and continuous high levels of efficiency. In fact, development planning application decisions have been kept at a steady level since 2017.

During the same year, the Authority received 160 and 207 applications related to Major projects and EU & Special Projects respectively. These applications vary from large-scale retail establishments, industrial development, community facilities, quarries and buildings for commercial use and tourism accommodation.

The Planning Authority saw a reduction of almost 14% in ODZ applications during 2019, receiving 978 applications. Furthermore, there was a slight decrease in the number of applications within Urban Conservation Areas (UCA), compared to those received in 2018.

A notable decrease was registered in the submission of regularisation applications.

Moreover, the Authority saw an increase in the number of Development Notification Order (DNO) applications, which remained a popular means for people to seek planning permission for certain types of works. This number has risen steadily over the past years, with 1603 applications last year alone.

As a result, a new electronic consultation system was introduced to facilitate the consultation process. This links the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, Transport Malta, the Environmental Resources Authority and the Planning Authority. It is an exemplary form of inter-governmental co-operation between agencies and again shows the Planning Authority’s commitment to move towards automation and business continuity.

The Authority continued with its initiative to provide incentives to protect and conserve streetscapes and residences that define the cultural and heritage value of our village cores. In collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Authority scheduled over 60 properties, most of them private residences.

The third edition of the Irrestawra Darek Scheme was also launched with a €5 Million pledge to fund the restoration of private residences in our village cores. 560 applications were accepted each receiving up to €10,000 to carry out restoration works on the property’s facade.

Through a separate funding scheme, the Authority also financed the Marsamxett Balcony Scheme, which was launched at the end of 2018 and closed in March 2019. This involved the maintenance/restoration and replacement works related to traditional Maltese ‘gallariji’.

Moreover, 44 projects submitted by local councils and Non-Governmental Organisations were funded through the Development Planning Fund. This investment went towards upgrading public gardens, recreational areas and new sports facilities.

Making the best of EU Funds, the Authority concluded three main projects; a project on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, SintegraM project and the SimwestMed Project. In 2020, the Authority will continue working on 14 EU funded projects. These projects range from spatial information, heritage trails, ICT, blockchain and business continuity, healthy cities and smart cities.

For more information about the Authority’s services and initiatives you may visit www.pa.org.mt.