PLANNING AUTHORITY
IntroduCtion by the Chairperson of the exeCutive CounCil
As Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority, I am honoured to present the Annual Report for the year 2023. This comprehensive report serves as a testament to the dedication and collective endeavours of the Authority in fulfilling its mandate of promoting sustainable development, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance across the Maltese Islands.
Throughout the course of 2023, the Executive Council convened 31 times, engaging in discussions on around 90 planning control applications, ranging from declassification of land in the public domain and the review of the 2002 Grand Harbour Local Plan for Marsa to the scheduling of Palazzina Vincenti and the proposed scheduling of 19th century British forts.
These deliberations underscored the Authority’s commitment to meticulous decision-making, ensuring that each application was thoroughly scrutinised in alignment with regulatory frameworks and community interests, and reflecting the Authority’s proactive approach in shaping Malta’s urban landscape.
The Development Management Directorate (DMD) emerged as a cornerstone of the Authority’s operational framework, spearheading the assessment and management of a diverse range of applications.
The Business Development Unit (BDU) and General Development Unit (GDU) demonstrated resilience in processing commercial and residential applications, respectively. The primary focus for 2024 for the BDU is on effective caseload management and compliance with legal provisions. The main challenges for the GDU are to address the pending caseload and ensure timely processing of new applications.
Mr Oliver Magro
The Integrated Assessment and Permitting Unit (IAPU), has upheld its commitment to providing indispensable support by offering initial vetting, billing calculations, and recommendations. Its focus for 2024 is on providing sustained service and increasing quality of validated applications.
Although the Outside Development Zone (ODZ) team had a decrease in applications, it grappled with a backlog of pending cases. Conversely, the Urban Conservation Area Unit (UCA) team had an influx of applications, emblematic of the department’s growth. Both teams faced challenges in managing pending caseloads and ensuring heritage preservation.
Even though they faced myriad challenges such as managing caseloads, addressing backlogs, and ensuring timely processing of applications, the Major Projects Unit and EU and Special Projects Unit evaluated various proposals ranging from large-scale retail establishments to EU-funded initiatives, all the while assessing applications for quality, efficiency, and transparency.
Through the implementation of robust remote work practices and proactive monitoring initiatives, the Compliance & Enforcement Directorate effectively regulated ongoing works, conducted inspections, and addressed complaints regarding illegal developments.
In 2023, it received 8,814 commencement notices for various permissions and conducted over 6,600 registered inspections for ongoing works related to Authority permissions. It received 11,228 requests for compliance certification, as well as 2,463 complaints, investigating and closing off 2,456 of them.
The directorate also issued 233 stop and enforcement notices in 2023, with 78% being subjected to daily fines. It undertook direct actions to remove illegal development, focusing on cases of environmental damage and abuse.
Through meticulous checks during vetting processes, it fortified the Authorities’ defenses against illegal developments. Notwithstanding officer vacancies, it reduced processing times for valid requests.
By providing seamless support to external customers, stakeholders, and government agencies, the ICT, Mapping, and Digital Services Directorate, namely the ICT Unit, Operations Arm, Plotting Team, Geomatic and Geodetic Section, and Geomatics Unit facilitated the efficient processing of planning applications and the dissemination of geospatial data.
Initiatives such as the improvement of the eApplications system and the development of internal 3D portals underscored the Directorate’s commitment to embracing technological advancements for the betterment of service
delivery. It also provided excellent customer care service at Front Desk Reception, handling over 10,000 clients.
Within the Planning Directorate, the Strategic and Local Policy Formulation Division (SLPFD), which includes the Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) and the Green and Blue Development Unit (GBDU) undertook vital initiatives such as partial local plan reviews and heritage restoration grant schemes.
The Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs, and Funding Division (FPREAFD) played a pivotal role in coordinating EU-funded projects, engaging with local councils, and representing the Authority in international fora, thereby demonstrating proactive engagement in policy-making, strategic planning, and international collaborations, aimed at enhancing spatial planning, heritage preservation, and sustainable development in Malta.
The Corporate Services Division, made up of the Human Resources Unit, Procurement Unit, Support Services Section, Finance Unit, and Employee Development & Wellbeing Unit continued to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence.
From strategic recruitment drives to procurement initiatives and employee welfare programs, the Division remained committed to fostering a conducive work environment and promoting staff well-being.
Initiatives such as talent acquisition (including through the IPS scheme), health and safety provisions, and employee development programmes underscored the Division’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and resilient workforce.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff, stakeholders, and partners whose unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental during the past year.
planning direCtorate
Perit Christopher Borg - Director
The Planning Directorate is made up of two divisions that is: (1) The Strategic and Local Policy Formulation Division (SLPFD), which includes the Green and Blue Development Unit (GBDU), the Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) and the Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) and (2) The Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs and Funding Division (FPREAFD), which includes the EU and Multilateral Affairs Unit (EUMA) and the Research and Local Funding Unit (RLF).
The Strategic and Local Policy Formulation Division
The SLPFD is responsible for the whole range of policy making functions of the Authority, from the highest level of the strategic spatial planning, at land and at sea, to the most detailed level of individual site planning. The Division also provides input to other policy-making functions of Government, particularly in relation to the Environment, and EU and international policy initiatives. Through the allocation and management of heritage funding schemes, the Division has been involved more directly in the implementation of the Authority’s and Government’s policy objectives. Additional tasks assigned to the Division include the support of the operations of other Directorates within the Authority.
The Steering Committee of the SPED Review Process continued with the preparation of the initial studies which are now in an advanced stage of completion. This task involves extensive discussions with external consultants and other senior officers in the PA.
In 2023, there were eight partial local plan review processes which were under active consideration by Government, of which six have resulted in a formal request by the Minister for the review to commence. These were the partial reviews of the Local Plans for Marsa, Hondoq ir-Rummien, Xewkija and Ghajnsielem, Hal Far and the general policy for the commercialisation of sports facilities.
The partial local plan reviews for Qawra and Paceville are still under consideration. In 2023, there were two on-going reviews of supplementary planning guidelines – the partial review of the 2015 Cemeteries Policy and Design Guidance to allow consideration of stand-alone crematoria and the partial review of policy P35 of the DC15.
In addition to work on commenced partial reviews, SPU has during this past year conducted further background work on potential reviews to subsidiary plans related to quarry after use, potential extension to Areas of Containment and identification of rural settlements. Another task focused on the identification and mapping of government-owned land within unplanned rationalisation areas.
During this year, this division was responsible for three reviews of the Development Notification Orders related to development Classes 5, 10, 15 and 16. Another major task was the revision to the residential Use Class in the Use Classes Order, which involved intensive discussions with other Government entities and Ministries – particularly those responsible for tourism and affordable housing. 2023 also saw the introduction of another legal notice which extended the validity period of development permissions.
The SPU is also responsible for the maintenance of databases collating information on development decisions, which is then passed on to the National Statistics Office and Enemalta.
The GBDU’s work on Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA), saw the preparation of the first monitoring report on the application of the SEA Regulations within the planning system, with recommendations aimed to improve efficient and effective processing. In the last quarter of 2023, the GBDU participated in a TAIEX meeting concerning the application of the SEA process in Malta by sharing experience on the transboundary SEA consultation concerning Italy’s MSP plans and the SEA for the revised Solar Farms Policy adopted in 2021.
In fulfilling its functions, the GBDU contributes to the PA’s technical feedback on external initiatives concerning policies and projects arising nationally such as MEEE’s work on governance for the Blue Economy, the policy for Offshore Renewable Energy and input to the proposed measures for ERA’s Air Quality Plan, amongst others. The GBDU also provides technical input to the PA’s position on emerging EU policies such as the Nature Restoration Law and ongoing negotiations on matters concerning maritime policy such as the WestMED initiative.
Work by the GBDU in 2023 also included the finalisation of the national biennial report on the implementation of the Mediterranean Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and participation in the National Focal Points meeting concerning the same Protocol, within the UNEP MAP framework.
4000 requests for funding
With respect to the HPU, this year’s major task concerns the creation, implementation, and management of the existing Heritage Restoration Grant Schemes (Irrestawra Darek 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and Irrestawra l-Faccata, Irrestawra l-Każin, Green Your Building, Irrestawra Darek 2023 and Irrestawra Darek Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings). A total of circa 4,000 requests for funding were submitted for all the grant schemes, and the processing of these requests has continued throughout the year with more restorations being completed and refunds effected after quality assurance by HPU monitoring. During 2023, a total of circa 200 requests were concluded, monitored and payments effected.
Apart from the grant schemes aimed at providing financial assistance, the HPU also manages the Certificate of Designation scheme. This scheme is intended to provide a tax incentive to those who acquire properties that are within an Urban Conservation Area. During 2023, the HPU received and processed 2370 requests to issue a UCA certificate. It is interesting to note that such schemes ensure a holistic financial package (no planning fees for restoration, funds available for the actual restoration, no tax paid on the purchase of a property within a UCA) that enable the regeneration of the historic urban cores.
This year also saw the conclusion of HPU’s participation in the EU-funded ThreeT Project which culminated in the publication (survey, identification and digitisation of heritage and natural assets and routes linking them) of an online heritage trail in north-west Malta. HPU also participated in an EU funded joint seminar between the Universities of Malta and Trondheim (No) about the identification and protection of underwater heritage assets in the Maltese Islands. Furthermore, during the past year, the HPU has continued to seek participation in heritage related EU funded projects. In fact, HPU drafted 2 project proposals (require clearer objectives, research and partner participation), and participated in the formulation of another 2 project proposals that were being formulated by foreign lead-partners. The HPU was also a partner within a consortium of around eight international partners. This project is called FortHero and after a number of online meetings and the drafting of objectives and schedules, the project was submitted as part of the second call of Interreg proposals.
In 2023, the HPU continued to work on scheduling, which is one of its core tasks. A total of four heritage assets (three 19th century British Forts and Palazzina Vincenti) were proposed for scheduling and approved by the Executive Council. Moreover, another two thematic proposals for scheduling have been researched and finalised. These comprise a total of 25 items pertaining to British Barracks and Batteries which have been finalised and proposed to the Executive. A further 45 items pertaining to hydraulic engineering, and 15 items pertaining to theatres and cinemas, have been finalised pending final endorsements.
The Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs and Funding Division
The FPREAFD is responsible for the PA’s EU and Multilateral Policy, EU and Multilateral Research, EU and Multilateral co-ordination, EU and Multilateral Implementation, EU and Multilateral funding, Local Funding.
The FPREAFD represented the Authority on a number of bodies including the EU Monitoring Committee on OP1 and SMEs, the Italia-Malta Executive Committee, COCOSUD, as well as other ad hoc meeting which involved expertise or roles found within FPREAFD. The RLF Team within this division adopted an engaging strategy especially with local councils, strongly encouraging them to approach the PA prior to applying for PA funds. This is intended to promote a smoother and faster processing of the request as well as the eventual refunding process. These meetings are all recorded to serve as future points of reference in the event that the participants decide to proceed with the application for PA funding. This year, more than 50 such meetings were held.
During this year the RLF was responsible for contracts worth more than €6.8 million, which is an absolute record in terms of PA locality funding since 2017. The amount covers 31 proposals originating from local councils, local councils partnering with regions, local councils partnering with NGO, as well as NGOs on partnering with other bodies.
On the EU & Multilateral Policy Front, the EUMA handled the PA’s positions during negotiations in various EU fora, including the EU Council, the United Nations, and the Union of the Mediterranean. In this regard, it is worth mentioning several new EU-proposed legislative instruments focusing on speeding up the permit granting process for a number of sectors, in particular on renewable energy, gigabit infrastructure, critical raw materials and the net zero industry. This required EUMA’s work in the review of voluminous documentation within very tight timeframes, identifying red lines, liaising with technical officers, legal office, PA management and the Ministry to ensure that the PA’s concerns are voiced during EU meetings, so as to minimise the burden on the existing permit granting process. EUMA also shadowed the Executive Chairperson during negotiations on the EU Urban Agenda, ensuring those developments at EU level on this front is in cognizance of Malta’s spatial planning framework. Finally, EUMA also handled input to dossiers led by other agencies, such as the Proposals on Soil, Nature Restoration and Air Quality to ensure that planning matters are taken into account. This necessitated EUMA’s input and presence for various briefings to PA management, Perm Sec and Ministerial level.
With respect to the implementation of EU legislation and international obligations, EUMA proactively ensured that all the deliverables emerging from the legislation led by the PA are delivered in time, including the EU Regulation
on Projects of Common Interest, the INSPIRE Directive, the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Protocol.
In addition, the Unit followed up to confirm that planning aspects are considered in the implementation of other policy areas. This included work on the Noise Action Plan, input to the Water and Marine Directors’ Meetings, the 8th Environment Action Programme, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Biodiversity areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, and the United Nations Environment Programme. This implementation work necessitated the drafting and review of briefing notes, discussions with officers, and briefings to management, Permanent Secretary and the Minister. The added value of EUMA in this area of work was proactively monitoring the implementation of EU deliverables and alerting PA management on problematic matters together with a suggested course of action, so as to ensure timely and coherent implementation avoiding any infringements of EU legislation and related financial implications.
EU Funded Projects
This year the EUMA also stepped up its efforts in following up on centralised funding programmes to explore the possibilities of tapping funds from such programmes, notably Horizon Europe, the various strands of the Interreg Programme, Erasmus+, the Space Funding Programme and funding related to the EU Urban Agenda. In addition, for the development of new EU funded projects, EUMA staff attended various training sessions, established contacts with Managing Authorities, organised various meetings to discuss project ideas, screened EU Funding Programmes/Calls and reviewed Operational Programmes to match project ideas and funding opportunities, designed the concepts of projects, prepared project budgets and successfully completed project application forms. In this regard, the Unit spearheaded the submission of six new EU Funded Projects, three of which have been successful (TSI Work placements exchange on Geomatics, Erasmus+ VET Training Courses Abroad and EIT Healthy Cities Generator) and three are pending evaluation (Interreg Europe FortHero, TSI Work placements exchange on Artificial Intelligence and EU Affairs, TSI Consultancy on Artificial Intelligence). The topics range from training and work placements to electronic tools related to healthy cities, cultural heritage and technical support on geomatics. EUMA also followed up on six EU Funded Projects led by other entities, where the PA was requested to refer support letters. The Unit has also strengthened
its contacts with Managing Authorities and local/foreign networking partners to explore possibilities for future projects and establish a robust system to monitor, assess and organise calls for EU funded proposals, as well as invitations to participate and recommendations to PA management to this effect. In parallel, the Unit continued the coordination of the implementation of existing EU Funded Projects.
The total amount of projects which were implemented during this performance review period amount to eight (MSPMED, SpatialTrain, SIntegram, PA+, TSI PACE geomatics, Placeplan, Erasmus Training courses and EIT healthy Cities generator) with a total budget for the Planning Authority of 8.7 million Euros. The Unit was instrumental in tasks related to these existing projects which included drafting tenders, attending project meetings and meetings with PPCD, line Ministries, submitting reports of implementation, providing required documentation for audits and fulfilling the projects’ publicity requirements. The added value of the Units’ work on internationally funded projects, was coming up with new funding ideas in line with the PA’s core functions and funding opportunities to come with concrete and successful proposals, leading the submission of EU Funded Projects applications, award of EU Funds for the Authority and ensuring the swift implementation of existing projects.
Total 3,956
development management direCtorate
Perit Silvio Farrugia - Director
Business Development Unit (BDU)
The Business Development Unit (BDU) is responsible for the assessment of all applications of a commercial nature which are not considered major in scale. The number of commercial applications increased marginally in 2023, from a monthly average of 132 in 2022 to 134 with the past year. The annual total was of 1603 applications. As expected, only a minor proportion were summary applications. 1345 applications, amounting to 84% of the total applications received within BDU, were full development applications. The majority of these were again applications for new shops and offices, mostly local in scale. The Unit’s performance also increased slightly when compared to 2022, and the majority of applications were concluded on time. Retaining an effective caseload management and ensuring complete compliance with the legal provisions will be the focus of the Unit’s efforts for 2024.
General Development Unit (GDU)
The General Development Unit (GDU) assesses development applications of a residential nature for sites within the development zone but outside the urban conservation areas. In 2023, the Unit saw a minimal decrease in new caseload. The number of new applications went down from a monthly average of 343 in 2022 to an average of 330 in 2023, for an annual total of 3956. Fifty-two per cent of these were summary applications. Whilst a considerable number of applications were for redevelopments, the majority of cases were for alterations to existing developments or previously approved permits. Whilst the Unit’s performance decreased when compared to that in previous 12-month period, the increase in caseload was negligible and not of concern. The majority of applications were concluded on time.
Integrated Assessment and Permitting Unit (IAPU)
The Integrated Assessment and Permitting Unit (IAPU) continues to support the mainstream Planning Application processes within Development Management Directorate (DMD) by providing initial vetting, billing calculations and sanitary recommendations within the best possible timely manner while aiming to increase the quality of validated applications. IAPU responsibility also entails; the processing of Regularisation applications (RG), permitting of the Development Notification Order (DNO) and Minor Amendment decisions (MA).
IAPU continues to provide a sustained service to the general public that require minor changes to their respective valid permits or through issuance of notifications and assisting in the sanctioning of irregularities for pre-August 2016 existing developments. IAPU’s contribution is essential to the function of all permitting processes that the Planning Authority is responsible for.
In 2023 the challenges to keep providing a sustained level of services were considerable. Nevertheless, all six teams have risen to the challenges in order to ensure continuity of the overall PA function. The Management has once again acknowledged the validity and importance of the Unit and committed solidly to support IAPU in planning ahead of forthcoming challenges with a vision to increase quality service in a timely manner.
Outside Development Zone (ODZ) and Urban Conservation Area Unit (UCA)
During 2023 the ODZ Team within the Development Management Directorate received 852 applications, a decrease of less than 100 applications over the previous year. Despite this decrease, the significantly high numbers of incoming applications of the previous years for non-commercial applications falling Outside the Development Zone has resulted in a significant backlog of pending applications. A total of 1,028 applications were concluded, a small increase over the previous year. Post-recommendation assessments were reverted to the Post Recommendation Team (PRT) in the first quarter, with the average number of cases being about 60 per month, which went down to an average of five cases per month for the rest of the year. Eleven applications were also referred back for reassessment from the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal following submission of additional or revised information.
The year 2023 ended with a pending caseload of 737 applications, a decrease of over 80 applications from the previous year. The noted trends of applications in rural areas for formalisation of recreational uses has continued throughout the past year, while there has been a marked increase in applications for farms.
197 applications related to EU-funded/ Special Projects
194 applications were referred for a decision
The Urban Conservation Areas team received 1,682 applications during the past year with 1,479 cases being concluded, an average of 123 applications per month. During the past year, the UCA team also reviewed a total of 190 post-recommendation cases, consisting of 30 cases per month in the first five months and an average of five cases per month for the rest of the year following the reintroduction of the PRT. The increase in output of total applications reflects the settling in of the staff who joined the team during 2022. The team closed the year with a caseload of about 800 pending cases, a net increase over the previous year, which reflects the overall increase in number of applications received during 2023. The current UCA team, composed of a mixture of new and more experienced officers has resulted in a balanced team, who strive to ensure that applications for improvements within Urban Conservations Areas are recommended, with the least detriment to the heritage and architectural values of the properties. In addition to applications aimed purely at restoration, justifiable alterations ensure that our historic areas are regenerated and remain vibrant by allowing these properties to be upgraded to current standards without compromising the possibility of future generations from making use of these significant properties.
The Major Projects Unit and EU and Special Projects Unit
The processing of Major Projects development applications is not only limited to the assessment of the development proposal but, in many cases involves extensive discussions with all stakeholders involved; a process which starts well ahead of the actual submission of a development application and continues throughout the planning process.
During last year, the Unit assessed different types of proposals which were very demanding. In order to achieve high quality sustainable development within the established planning policy and legal framework, the Unit processed a variety of proposals which consisted of large-scale retail establishments and industrial development for community facilities, quarries and highrise / landmark buildings for commercial use and tourism accommodation.
For Schedule 1 applications, the Major Projects Unit assessed a total of 55 screening requests and received 93 validated applications. A total of 96 applications were referred for a decision within the period January 2023 to December 2023.
The Unit also reviewed a total of 11 screening requests and received 197 validated applications related to EU funded/ Special Projects. A total of 194 applications were referred for a decision within the same period of assessment.
The Unit is committed to make every effort to focus on the best way to assess the applications in terms of quality, efficiency, and transparency.
ComplianCe & enforCement direCtorate
Perit Raphael Axiak - Director
Throughout 2023, the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate strengthened its hybrid remote work practices to ensure more effective and efficient procedures relating to the monitoring, regulating, and enforcing functions of the Planning Authority in line with the provisions of the Development Planning Act (CAP. 552) of 2016 and the subsidiary legislations.
Prior to the start of the pandemic, in 2020, the Directorate had already transitioned to a paperless working environment. This had greatly facilitated the adoption of remote working. The officers of the Directorate can work from the office and from home on their laptops, and on site through their tablets, which are connected to the Authority’s network systems.
Commencement notices
Article 72(4) of the Development Planning Act requires the developer to notify the Authority with the commencement date prior to the utilisation of a permission or prior to the commencement of works for each PA permission, regularisation (RG) permission, Development Notification (DN) permission, and Removal of Structural Danger (DS) consent issued. This is crucial for monitoring purposes by the Directorate’s officers.
In view of the amendments to the Building and Construction Authority Act (CAP. 623) of 2022, and because of the 2023 legislative changes to the Development Planning Act which amended the definition of “commencement notice”, there is no longer the need for the submission of the commencement notice in relation to regularisation (RG) permissions and PA permissions which approved sanctioning of development only. These types of permissions are deemed to have been utilised on the day after the expiry of the suspension period following the publication date of the permission.
8,814 commencement notices
5,775 PA permissions
2,075 RG permissions
720 DN permissions
244 DS consents
6,600 permissions inspections
4,450 complaints and enforcement inspections
45 site inspections per working day
During 2023, the Directorate received a total of 8,814 commencement notices. 5,775 commencement notices were related to PA permissions; 2,075 notices related to RG permissions; 720 notices related to DN permissions; and 244 notices related to DS consents. Each commencement notice was vetted to ensure that it had been validly submitted. If the permission includes a condition which requires adherence to a requirement prior to the commencement of works, then the commencement notice is not validated until it is verified that the obligation/s have been complied with. If the commencement notice was not submitted, or if it was submitted but invalid, any development carried out would be illegal. In such instances, the Directorate is required to instruct the works to stop until the situation is remedied. In addition, offence fines are applicable if the legal requirement to submit the commencement notice is not adhered to.
Monitoring and surveillance
Proactive monitoring of ongoing development requires the utilisation of digital technologies to access information remotely, whilst on site, and resolve issues immediately. Effective and efficient monitoring ensures that fewer issues are encountered at compliance certification stage. The beneficiaries of monitoring of ongoing development are the end customers who are usually the occupants of individual units.
The strategy adopted by the Directorate seeks to limit abuse, promote self-compliance by the developers, and where necessary initiate enforcement action expeditiously. For these reasons, during 2023, more than 6,600 registered inspections were carried out to monitor ongoing works in relation to permissions issued by the Authority. Another circa 4,450 registered site inspections were carried out in relation to complaints and enforcement notices. This resulted in circa 45 site inspections per working day, carried out by the officers of the Directorate, throughout the year.
PlotGIS queries
The full digitalisation of the processes introduced the possibility to implement checks during the vetting and assessment of planning applications to determine whether such applications sanction or regularise all the illegal development on site.
The Directorate’s response to PlotGIS queries has facilitated the recovery of pending fines and fees, which are still pending on specific sites and which are still due to the Authority, since applications would not be assessed and/or determined prior to the settlement of such dues.
This requires timely feedback by the Directorate’s officers on planning applications, to ensure that the established application processes are not affected. During 2023, the Directorate received and replied to a total of 1,595 PlotGIS queries.
2022
9 days 2023 7 days
Average days to decide request after validation
2,456 complaints closed
Compliance certification
The compliance certificate issued by the Authority is required for the installation of water and electricity services, in line with the provisions of article 102 of the Development Planning Act. It is also used together with official documents in ownership transfer contracts, bank loans, and other matters related to individual properties. Compliance certificates are also requested by certain Government authorities and entities when operators submit applications to obtain operational licences from such authorities and entities. The compliance certificate is a confirmation that the development, in part or in whole, has been completed in line with the approved drawings and the conditions of the respective permission. The issuance of the compliance certificate also requires a thorough inspection by the Directorate’s officers.
Throughout 2023, the Directorate received a total of 11,228 requests for compliance certification. The assessment of such requests is fully digitised, and the Directorate sought to improve the procedures with the objective of achieving a reduction in the processing times. In spite of several vacancies amongst officer positions, the average number of days to determine a validly submitted request was reduced from 9 days, during 2022, to 7 days during 2023. This represents a substantial reduction from the average 13.5 days required to determine a validly submitted request during 2021.
Complaints regarding alleged illegal developments
During 2023, the Directorate received 2,463 complaints, from various sources, alleging illegal development. Approximately half of the complaints received are from anonymous sources. The Directorate investigated and closed off a total of 2,456 complaints.
The Directorate identified illegal development in circa 58% of the total cases registered. To address such infringements, the property owner/occupier submitted a sanctioning application in 497 cases. On the other hand, in 508 cases where illegal development was identified, the contraveners themselves complied or removed the illegal development, prior to further action being taken by the Directorate.
185 enforcement notices
13% investigation of a complaint 87% cases negotiated ad coordinated with he contraveners
During the year, the Directorate issued 185 enforcement notices resulting from complaints received. This represents circa 13% of all the sites on which illegal development was identified following the investigation of a complaint. Hence, in 87% of the cases where illegal development was identified, the officers persuaded the contraveners to address the illegal development promptly.
Stop and Enforcement Notices
Over the past years, the Compliance & Enforcement Directorate has retained persuasion as its main strategy in dealing with illegal development, thereby seeking to resolve cases without the need to resort to formal
stop and enforcement notices
enforcement action. Nonetheless, where contraveners are not cooperative, officers are compelled to issue stop and enforcement notices in response to breaches and contraventions of the Act, subsidiary legislation and/or permissions.
During 2023, a total of 233 stop and enforcement notices (which include the 185 notices resulting from complaints) were issued. A total of 27 breach of notices were also issued on pending enforcement notices during the same period. Circa 78% of the notices issued were subjected to daily fines. These fines act as a positive deterrent since the contraveners need to address the infringements in the shortest possible timeframe since the fines continue to accrue until the illegal development is removed or sanctioned/regularised following the submission of an application. The daily fines were introduced in 2012, and these need to be revised to remain an effective financial deterrent today.
During the same review period, the Directorate closed a total of 388 pending stop and enforcement notices which accumulate over the years. A total of 134 notices were closed following the issuance of a permission to sanction/regularise the illegal development, and a further 199 enforcement notices were closed after the illegal development was removed by the contravener.
Direct action
Where contraveners fail to comply with the requirements of stop and enforcement notices, the Directorate intervenes, through direct action, to remove illegal
development as required by the respective provisions of the Development Planning Act. The strategy adopted by the Directorate, even at the late stage of direct action, is to persuade contraveners to remove the illegal development, rather than having to bear the costs and expenses incurred by the Directorate to remove the illegal development through direct action.
A major obstacle faced by the Authority during the carrying out of direct actions are the Court warrants of prohibitory injuctions instigated by contraveners to stop the operation of the Authority, at least for a temporary period. This gives rise to legal hurdles in the enforcement process. Nonetheless, the Directorate is adamant to keep its fight against persistent abusers and to act in the best interests of the general public.
During 2023, several direct actions were taken to remove illegal development. The Directorate focused mainly on cases related to injury to amenity, illegal changes of use, and illegally dumped material causing environmental damage. Cases of major note are the reinstatement of the land between Mdina and Mtarfa which was subjected to illegal dumping; the demolition and removal of structures which encroached onto the scheduled glacis of the Floriana fortifications; the sealing of large above-ground storage tanks which were used for the unregulated storage of fuel; the removal of illegally scrapped vehicles from a site in Gozo, being one of the largest illegal scrapyards in the Maltese Islands; and the sealing of various fields which were being used illegally for dumping or other illegal activities to the detriment of the adjacent uses and the environment.
ICt, mapping, and digital serviCes direCtorate
Ing Stephen Ferrito - Director
The ICT, Mapping and Digital Services Directorate looks back with satisfaction and pride at the year 2023 and what the Directorate has managed to achieve. Collectively, we recognise that our directorate is primarily a support and service-oriented directorate. The Directorate strives to offer a quality service to all.
The ICT Unit has managed to maintain its support of all external customers and stakeholders, including Periti, other professionals, applicants and the public, internal users and also other government agencies, such as the Building and Construction Authority, by providing a constant service that was only interrupted during previously established unavoidable maintenance periods. This was not an easy task, as the Unit had to overcome serious human resources and premises problems.
This year also saw the ICT Unit being fully re-audited by BSI against the latest ISO 9000 quality standard, with the Unit being recertified without any form of nonconformities. The Unit has also worked extensively to reprogramme our eApplications system for better response times and an enhanced user experience, which we trust will be tested and launched in the early months of 2024, while upgrading various other user software, including our remote working software, security systems and hardware.
This year, the ICT hardware section received over 6,000 phone calls and 17,000 emails relating to various ICT issues. These resulted in over 2,700 significant job requests. Over 52% of these requests were resolved in less than three hours, showing that the service remains expedient despite the decrease in the human resource complement.
Above all, the Unit continues to ensure that we have the latest tools, software and hardware, to be able to continue offering our extensive online and hybrid services, ranging from application submission, application review, online
10,000 personal service
2,700 online meetings
112,000 phone calls
meetings, old applications digitisation and online viewing up to online and hybrid decision meetings. We are sure that these services are greatly appreciated by applicants, the public and professionals alike.
The Operations arm of the Directorate provides many essential central support functions such as mailing, document management and digitisation, customer care and support, application plotting, extracting and providing important management statistics and guiding other directorate Units in relation to using and improving our ICT management solutions.
The Authority continues to pride itself on offering excellent customer care service, providing over 10,000 clients personal service at our Front Desk Reception. The team has also held over 2,700 online meetings, dealt with over 16,000 emails relating to enforcement, mapping and general customer care issues, while answering over 112,000 phone calls, over 4,000 of which related to reports on perceived illegal development and 73,000 generic queries. The Records Retention and Digitisation team ensure that all our physical records are safely retained while managing the Authority’s digitisation project. This function is vital to many clients who need to obtain copies of older permits, especially when selling or buying property.
The Mailroom continues to ensure proper document handling, segregation, delivery and processing. Its role in ensuring older physical files and mail, both electronic or physical, are processed or delivered to the required persons in a timely manner is crucial to all planning and other administrative Authority processes. This year the team has uploaded over 10,500 third-party representations into the relevant electronic files and have printed nearly 80,000 plans and drawings as part of the development permitting process.
The Plotting Team has plotted nearly 12,000 sites indicating different application locations. This year over 8,400 planning applications, 1,400 regularisation applications, 1,100 development notification orders and around 400 dangerous structure applications were plotted and some 500 plots were plotted to assist the Finance Ministry. The overall time from request to processing is well below the three-calendar day target, while the team, in conjunction with the central operations, dealt expediently with the significant number of republications in relation to changes in proposals, locations, site sizes, and other matters.
The Operations Office provides continuous assistance to a wide range of clients. Many Periti find this Unit’s assistance invaluable, especially when they encounter issues while interacting with the Authority and its systems. Furthermore, Operations’ staff is responsible for guiding and supporting internal clients who require assistance navigating the Authority’s procedures and processes
139 topographical surveys
1,300 ground control points
and serve as a reference point whenever operational difficulties are encountered; and as a bridge between the users and our ICT software developers. Additionally, they provide stakeholders with relevant statistics and reports, enabling the Authority’s management to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
The Geomatic and Geodetic Section of the Directorate is primarily concerned with building alignments and spatial data. The Authority has a legal duty to maintain the country’s base map and this key area is constantly ensuring that we keep abreast with the latest technologies and systems in this dynamic sector.
The Land Surveying Unit continued with its renewal process with the integration of three new members of staff taking over setting-out teams. Three MCAST apprentices, of whom two are following a degree course, are being trained in all the survey disciplines by our experienced survey staff. Substantial investment in the upgrading of the surveying instruments and software, coupled with the purchase of two GPS rovers and two robotic total stations, adopting the latest technology, together with a new surveying package were also acquired.
For the first time, quarry surveys are being prepared with the use of technology-driven solutions and this was done in synergy with the Geomatics Unit. In 2023, 139 topographical surveys covering an area of 510,460m² were carried out. More than 2,000 settingout requests of building alignment and formation levels of new developments within development zone were carried out, together with 14 requests, submitted by Infrastructure Malta for setting out of road alignment and road formation levels of streets distributed in various localities to be surfaced for the first time. The generation of around 1,300 ground control points for the updating of the basemap, coupled with the continuous monitoring of the GNSS network to provide RTK service was carried out by the Geodetic Section. Works to establish the first Geoid Model for the Maltese Islands are currently underway.
The Alignment Interpretation Unit processed around 8,413 applications and prepared 4,576 alignment plans. 1,766 files were referred by the Development Management Directorate for consultation and 662 alignment interpretations on topographic surveys were carried out.
The Geomatics Unit was very active in the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive, participating in policy and technical meetings and in the INSPIRE Conference. A seminar for data owners and stakeholders was also organised and the transition to the HaleConnect system was completed. The development of the internal 3D portal proceeded with around 75% functionality currently in place. The Mapping section completed the update for a further 12 localities and included the road network
120
heads of mapping and cadastral agencies from all over Europe
changes in the Marsa and Mriehel areas. Work on the visualisation of 3D laser data was completed for the Cottonera area and a joint collaboration project with MCAST on AI was initiated. Preparation work for the upcoming production of CLC2024 over Malta for the EEA was undertaken and participation in the technical fora of Copernicus was also maintained. A partnership agreement between the European Spatial Planning Observatory Network (ESPON) and the PA in its role as ESPON contact point was finalised and three events were organised for the ESPON local network. The SINTEGRAM project also benefitted from residual ERDF funds and, as project leader, successfully managed the associated administrative processes.
Furthermore, the Planning Authority successfully hosted the Eurogeographics General Assembly meeting, which was attended by around 120 heads of mapping and cadastral agencies from all over Europe.
In conclusion, it is understandable that we are proud of what the Directorate has achieved through proper business planning and all the members’ hard work, collaboration and dedication. We look forward to progressing on our journey of continuous improvement to improve the service we offer to all our clients.
25 internal promotions
24 new teleworking requests
Corporate serviCes direCtorate
Mr Kevin Portelli - Director
Human Resources Unit
Over the past year, the Human Resources Unit pursued the Authority’s strategies in manpower planning and capacity building, employee retention, employer branding and talent capturing, employee relations and health and safety matters.
A significant aspect of the HR Unit’s activities involves managing the workforce efficiently. The Unit published 25 external calls and 42 internal calls, attracting 274 external applications and 122 internal applications, respectively. The selection processes resulted in the recruitment of 10 new employees and in 25 internal promotions. 11 officers progressed to higher grades having met the required performance standards.
The Unit also concluded 36 probation exercises, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of recruits during their initial period of employment. As part of the ongoing initiative to promote flexibility and an improved work-life balance, the HR Unit processed 24 new teleworking requests and renewed 121 existing contracts.
The Unit has initiated discussions with the two in-house trade unions to negotiate new collective agreements to further improve the existing conditions of employment.
A strategic approach to talent acquisition involves engaging with the University and other educational institutions. Through the IPS scheme, six university students were engaged for a 12-month period in the fields of Architecture and Law, contributing to their academic and professional growth. Another six students from MCAST and three ICT trainees were engaged by the Authority. The Unit represented the Authority in the MCAST freshers’ week to enhance the Authority’s visibility and appeal to potential candidates. During the same year, 10 employees successfully completed their studies and obtained a BSc (Hons) in Spatial Planning. This degree course was
sponsored by the Authority. As part of its responsibility to ensure health and safety in the workplace, the Unit administered the provision of personal protective equipment and sunscreen lotion to employees, replenished first aid boxes located throughout the premises and in Authority vehicles, and maintained the five Automated External Defibrillators located on the Authority’s grounds. In collaboration with the Employee Development and Wellbeing Unit, a first aid course was organized, increasing the number of certified first aiders to 23. The procurement and distribution of summer and winter uniforms for front office personnel and security officers was also coordinated by the Unit.
Procurement Unit
During 2023, the Procurement Unit of the Authority issued and awarded multiple tenders for the provision of services and supplies. These included contracts for health insurance for the Authority’s employees, health and safety services, financial audit services, geomatics consultancy services, and the purchase of equipment, software and other IT services.
In the same year, the Authority granted and executed fresh agreements for consultancy services, IT equipment, software and licenses, land surveying equipment and software, leasing of a 4x4 pick-up truck, eye tests for employees, PR initiatives, surveys, cash-in-transit services, new furniture, and maintenance of M&E equipment.
The Procurement Unit, in collaboration with the DCS Office, introduced a policy on procurement analysis and a policy on the retention of procurement documentation. The Unit also produced a cost-benefit analysis on the refurbishment of the Authority’s main offices at St Francis Ravelin vis-à-vis the leasing of new alternative premises.
The Procurement Unit has also commenced work on several other calls, such as the procurement of notarial services, procurement of consultancy services to be provided by a restoration architect, the supply of potable water for its offices, the leasing of vehicles and the procurement of IT equipment.
Support Services Section
Throughout 2023, the Support Services Section oversaw the upkeep of the Authority’s premises, including the landscaped areas, whilst seeing to the everyday needs of the various sections within the Authority. Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions all signs related to COVID-19 have been removed. The Section also coordinated the testing of the ceilings of various buildings to ascertain the safety of the employees.
The Section persistently worked to guarantee the proper maintenance of all Authority equipment, ensuring that its M&E equipment is covered by an active maintenance agreement. The Section carried out PAT tests on 370 electronic devices found within the PA offices.
The Section managed the Authority’s fleet, followedup on mystery shopper reports by implementing the corresponding recommendations, and supervised security and cleaning staff, while ensuring proper waste separation and disposal.
Finance Unit
The Finance Unit is responsible for the management of the Authority’s finances and of the various schemes administered by the Authority. Further to the normal day-to-day financial control activities, in 2023 the Unit undertook the following activities:
• Regular and timely reporting of financial information; Regular reporting on the Development Planning Fund and the Irrestawra Darek Scheme, and timely processing of disbursements to beneficiaries of the scheme;
• Ongoing provision of accounting services to the EU and Multilateral Affairs Unit in relation to EU funding claims;
• Timely processing of refunds on overpaid, withdrawn and refused applications for development permits; and
• Timely processing of payments to suppliers and service providers in respect of supplies and services rendered to the Authority.
The Finance Unit processed more than 1,400 payments to over 400 suppliers with a total value exceeding €5 million. The Unit also processed more than 1,600 refunds on applications for a total value exceeding €1.8 million. Additionally, the Unit processed 348 payments with a total value of €3.8 million to beneficiaries of fund schemes administered by the Authority.
The Unit persisted with its investment strategy to maximise interest return, by investing in fixed term deposits with local banks and in local bonds.
Employee Development & Wellbeing Unit
During the past year, the Employee Development & Wellbeing Unit was successful in coordinating a number of initiatives, including the PlacePlan Erasmus+ Project and was successful in obtaining funds for an Erasmus+ Training Courses Project. The Unit also provided administrative support for another EU funded project, TSI, and initialised the coordination of the Erasmus+ Mobility Project for 2024-2026.
The Unit managed the implementation of new contracts for health insurance and VDU eye tests for all staff. It also processed employee applications for the reimbursement of training expenses and organised ad-hoc training as required.
Several informative sessions were held on various subjects related to employee health together with one-to-one counselling to employees. The Unit co-ordinated team building activities, activities for employees’ children, an employee pet competition, and civic responsibility initiatives, including donation of blood and fundraising activities for various social causes.
CounCil, boards, and Committees
exeCutive CounCil
Chairperson
Mr Oliver Magro
Members
Mr Martin Camilleri
Dr Emanuel Camilleri
Prof. Saviour Formosa
Mr Kevin Mercieca
Ms Carmen Buttigieg
Dr Stephanie Abela
Secretary
Ms Yoanne Muscat
planning board
Chairperson
Dr Emanuel Camilleri
Deputy Chairperson
Mr Martin Camilleri
Independent Members
Ms Sharon Mifsud
Mr Joseph Zammit
Perit Jean Pierre Attard
ERA Representative
Ms Aimee Brincat
Perit Deborah Busuttil
Representative of Environment NGOs
Mr Romano Cassar
Public Officers
Mr Saviour Debono Grech
Perit Mario Bonello
Ms Maria Briffa
Secretary
Ms Yoanne Muscat
planning Commission – outside development Zone and urban Conservation areas
Chairperson
Mr Martin Camilleri
Members
Mr Frank Ivan Caruana Catania
Perit Joel Fenech
Supplementary Member
Mr Carmel Caruana
Secretary
Ms Monica Gauci
planning Commission –Within development sCheme
Chairperson
Ms Stephania Baldacchino
Members
Perit Anthony Camilleri
Perit Mireille Fsadni
Supplementary Member
Ms Lorinda Vella
Secretary
Ms Lorna Vella
planning Commissionregularisation permissions
Chairperson
Perit Elizabeth Ellul
Members:
Dr Charles F Grech
Dr Pierre Hili
Secretary
Ms Tania Farrugia
agriCultural advisory Committee
Chairperson
Mr James Gauci
Members
Ms Marcelle Agius
Mr Charles Spiteri
Dr Duncan Chetcuti Ganado
Mr Joseph Zammit
Mr Sandro Sammut
Mr Neville Muscat
Secretary
Mr Eugenio Delceppo
design advisory Committee
Chairperson
Mr Mario Cassar
Members
Dr Charlene Vella
Perit Kevin Fsadni
Secretary
Mr Eugenio Delceppo
the development planning fund
Chairperson
Perit Raymond Farrugia
Members
Chev. Paul Farrugia
Perit Frans Mallia
Dr David Mallia
Perit Rita Vella
Secretary
Mr Enzo Cachia
users’ Committee
Chairperson
Dr Edward Woods
Members
Ms Marie Barbara
Ms Astrid Vella
Perit Martin Debono
Mr Mario Fava
Mr Christian Vassallo
Mr Sandro Chetcuti
Perit Simone Vella Lenicker
Mr David Mifsud
Mr David Xuereb
Secretary
Ms Dorianne Ciantar
list of Images
The Images reproduced in this Report are the winning projects of the 2022 Malta Architecture & Spatial Planning Awards
Page 4
Interior Architecture Award for Residential Projects
PERIT JOE GALEA
House for a young family
Page 8
Commercial and Public Buildings Award
DR EDWIN MINTOFF ARCHITECTS
Hotel Verdi
Page 13
Public Vote Winner
KEIRO ARCHITECTS
ONE 80
Page 14 and 15
Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings
OPENWORKS STUDIO & FORWARD ARCHITECTS
Cisk Tap and The Grist Multipurpose Space
Page 16
Design Award for Good Architecture, Building and Structure
PERIT JOE GALEA
House for a young family
Page 20
Architecture Photography Award
DR CHARLES PAUL AZZOPARDI
Dar Ħanin Samaritan
Page 24 and 25
Small Projects Award
MATTERMAKE
Cinema Visiona
Page 26
Architectural Engineering Award
DR EDWIN MINTOFF ARCHITECTS
Aircraft MRO Hangar Facility
Page 30 and 31
Public Open Spaces Award
PERIT ANDREA SCREMIN
Ġnien Victor Calvagna
Page 32
Rehabilitation & Conservation Award
ARC STUDIO
Soup Kitchen
Page 36
Restoration Award
RESTORATION DIRECTORATE
Is-Santwarju tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena
Page 40
Urban Planning Concept Award – for students
NICOLE KENELY & KIMBERLY CAMILLERI
Retrofitting the White Rocks Complex: A Shared Living Community
Page 42
Urban Planning Concept Award – for architectural firms
NIDUM
City of 1000 Gardens - A Community Spirited Regeneration
Francis Ravelin, Floriana, FRN 1230, Malta www.pa.org.mt