Labour plans to replace MEPA with a Planning and Sustainable Development Authority, Joseph Muscat said this morning in front of the MEPA offices in Floriana.

The PL leader proposed that environment and resources fall under one authority which will have a vote on the Planning Authority Board. In addition PL will separate the planning and environmental functions of MEPA and extend the regularization scheme for illegal developments.

Dr Muscat explained that current planning tariffs will be reviewed to make them sustainable and reasonable and architects will be empowered to issue compliance certificates and will be professionally responsible for their actions. He added that a fund will be set up for environmentally friendly groups who can tap into the fund for research on projects they wish to object on. These groups will be allowed to appoint a representative to the planning authority and the environment and resources authority

Dr Muscat explained that permit extensions will be given in a number of cases and that minor developments will fall under the notification system.