PLANNING AUTHORITY
ANNUAL REPORT
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Contents REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
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REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PLANNING BOARD
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DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE 11 PLANNING DIRECTORATE 15 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE 23 ICT, MAPPING AND DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE
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CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE 37 COUNCIL, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 44
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REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Mr Martin Saliba The year 2020 was difficult for everyone and not least for the Planning Authority. However, looking back on my first full year as the Executive Chairperson, I can proudly say that we managed to overcome the many challenges that the pandemic brought upon us, while simultaneously continuing our work to serve the public.
The Covid-19 outbreak at the start of the year presented disruptions to regular processes and we needed to work towards ensuring the safety of all employees and stakeholders. A new protocol was immediately introduced, allowing Executive Council, Planning Board and Planning Commission public meetings to be done through video conferencing. The public’s participation was a priority here and a step-by-step user manual was published to help the various users participate. Moreover, the Authority also extended development permits, which were to expire at the end of 2022, for a further three years. This was done to prevent major disruptions which could have led to imbalanced construction across the island once the situation is normalised.
The pandemic changed the way we work possibly forever and the Planning Authority led this shift towards remote working very swiftly. In a matter of days, almost all employees were switched to remote digital working. The IT unit distributed new laptops, bought a new server and relevant software licences, and successfully set up hundreds of employees to work from home. This was no coincidence as it came after years of investment in ICT and a gradual cultural shift was implemented. The ICT team also improved the eApps portal, requiring Periti to submit and access documentation electronically. This facilitated digital processing of planning and development applications. By avoiding the need to meet physically, everyone saves time and we reduce the negative environmental impact of driving and printing paper.
The ICT, Mapping and Digital Services Directorate updated operational systems and their automation, for instance, by implementing a bank guarantee system, permit development
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system and programs that assist other Directorates and Units. A new detailed base map was also launched in 2020 and servers and systems were thus updated to cater for this. The number of planning applications and, in turn, plotting requests decreased during the year. This led to human resources being redeployed elsewhere within the Authority in order to make the best use of resources.
On the other hand, the Corporate Services Directorate pursued the PA+ project, which provides employees with training in operational management, customer care, media and communications, EU Affairs and ICT. We are proud to continue engaging in these activities over the coming year. Sponsorships in the geomatics field were awarded to four employees through the SpatialTRain project and 951 hours of training were provided to staff to continuously improve the quality of service provided to the public. This Directorate also encouraged the donation of vacation leave to the Government’s central leave fund.
The Compliance and Enforcement Directorate embraced the changes that 2020 brought with it and did not compromise its work. It was not possible to cease all site inspections, but the Authority ensured that all officers took all the necessary precautions as instructed by the health authorities. A new team manager was appointed to the Sectors/Major Projects Team and new Compliance and Enforcement officers were employed withing the Development Zone Team and the Outside Development Zone Team. The Directorate saw a decrease of 1,782 commencement notices compared to the previous year, which is attributed to the impact of the pandemic in relation to commencement of new development. Moreover, a total of 169 stop and enforcement notices were issued throughout the year, while the pending caseload accumulated since 1993 was reduced by 8%. In 2020, the Directorate closed 74 enforcement cases by removing illegal developments through direct action.
Furthermore, the past year also saw the split between the planning and development functions with the creation of the new directorate focusing on development management. The Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs and Funding Division (FPREAFD) funded various projects throughout the year. 17 new project contracts were signed, totalling €1.4 million, and the “Sebbaħ Il-Lokal” scheme was extended for a further two years. The Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) presented 6
a Development Brief, supplementary Planning Guidance, a discussion paper and two Partial
Local Plan Reviews, while also amending three Local Plans. 2020 also saw the review of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED) whereby internal and external studies gathered data to identify development issues.
The Planning Authority is proud to have participated in an EU funded project, MSP-MED, through the Green, Blue, Development Unit (GBDU). The goal here was to align the current work to improve governance at national level in both policy formulation and data management for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). The GBDU aims to integrate sustainability within the planning framework and this year it worked towards determining the coastal zone’s vulnerability to erosion, prepared recommendations for integrating coastal erosion in spatial planning policies, as well as, assessed development applications in vulnerable areas.
The past year will ultimately be remembered as the year during which everyone had to adapt to extraordinary circumstances and I feel that we took these challenges in our stride by adapting to new experiences efficiently. We must now learn from the challenges faced in 2020 and work smarter, using the technologies that are available to us, to constantly improve our service to the public.
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REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PLANNING BOARD Mr Vincent Cassar 2020 was a very challenging year. The year started off with the appointment of a number of new members to the Planning Board after there was a change in Ministerial responsibilities. By mid-March, the pandemic caught us all off-guard, but I must admit that we responded swiftly to minimise uncertainty. The objective was to avoid disrupting the momentum of the building and construction industry, due to the impact it has on the economy and well-being of the country.
In a matter of a few weeks, the Authority introduced a new protocol that allowed the Planning Board and its Commissions to conduct their meetings through a virtual platform. In this way, planning application decisions started to be taken without much delay. This system was welcomed with positive feedback from periti and their clients, albeit with a few teething problems, which were later resolved. It seems that this system will remain active even after the pandemic, since the advantages are many, including the reduced travelling time and cost, as well as, better use of everyone’s time.
During the year, the Planning Board considered 44 planning applications and four applications related to Article 80 of the Development Planning Act 2016. The major projects which were discussed include the New Chinese Embassy in Pembroke, Phase 2 of Mercury Tower in St. Julians, the Marsascala Waterpolo Pitch, the redevelopment of the Grand Hotel Verdala in Rabat and the Hunters’ Tower in Marsaxlokk.
The Planning Commission which deals with development applications located Outside Development Zone and Urban Conservation Areas, approved planning permissions in 2,312 cases and refused 249 cases. The Commission which decides on planning applications within the development zone approved 2,718 cases and refused 225 cases. Furthermore, the Commission which deals with regularisation applications, granted 2,266 cases and refused 20 cases.
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DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE Director - Perit Silvio Farrugia This was the year that saw the split between the forward planning and development control functions, resulting in the creation of a new directorate focusing on development management.
The year 2020 was mainly characterised by the extraordinary measures which had to be taken to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. With the entire Authority’s staff confined to working from home, the Development Management Directorate’s ability to retain the necessary level of communication remotely, and to effectively manage and coordinate its workload without disruption, was tested to its limits.
The Directorate had made great efforts over the previous two years to implement a hot-desking/ teleworking scheme for all its staff, and this exercise paid off when obligatory teleworking was implemented due to the pandemic. The transition was practically seamless, and this was reflected in the results obtained throughout. Although aided by a general slowdown in the receipt of applications, the overall performance was a marked improvement over the year 2019.
The Directorate also continued with its efforts to recruit and train new staff in-line with the Authority’s succession planning strategy.
Major Projects Unit (MPU) 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. This process starts well ahead of the actual submission of a development application and continues throughout the planning process.
During the year, the Unit assessed different types of proposals which proved very challenging in achieving 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 high-rise/ landmark buildings for commercial use and tourism accommodation. 11
As regards Schedule 1 applications, the MPU processed a total of 106 screening requests and received 107 validated applications. A total of 117 applications were referred for a decision within the year.
EU and Special Projects Unit (EUSPU) In 2020, the EUSPU processed a total of 35 screening requests and received 208 applications related to EU and other similar funded projects. A total of 176 applications were referred for a decision during the year.
General Development Unit (GDU) The GDU, which is the Unit within the Directorate that is assigned the greatest portion of submitted development applications, concluded the assessment of 4,500 development applications in 2020. This led to a marked reduction in the pending caseload.
Urban Conservation Area (UCA) and Outside Development Zone (ODZ) Unit During the year, the Outside Development Zone Team received 1,254 applications; an increase of 28% over the previous year. Throughout the same year, 987 applications were concluded by the team, which represents almost a 9% decrease over output of the previous year. 2020 ended with a caseload of 462 pending applications.
The decrease in output can be attributed in part to the substantial increase in submitted applications following the publication of the draft Rural and Design Policy Guidance in July. The perception that the revised policy will be more stringent with regards to potential ODZ development prompted a substantial increase in applications related to development for agricultural purposes. The current flow is likely to subside once the approved policy is published, halting the increased demand for development within Malta’s rural areas.
The usual standards of rigorous assessment was applied throughout to ensure that only development which is necessarily constructed outside the development zone is recommended. The Urban Conservation Area team received 1,871 development applications. This amounts to an increase in the number of full applications processed and a decrease in the summary applications over the figures of 2019. This change is likely a result of the reduction in applications 12
for restoration attributed to the Irrestawra Darek scheme. In 2019, the scheme was issued in a
smaller capacity than in the preceding two years. During the year, the UCA team concluded the assessment of 1,851 applications - a reduction of almost 11% over 2019. The Team closed the year with a caseload of 537 cases, a slight reduction over the previous year.
The members of the UCA Team continued to strive to enable applicants to carry out improvements to their property within the Urban Conservations Areas, with the least permanent impact and within the bounds of the policy. This ensures that the rehabilitation of buildings having historical and architecturally important fabric is safeguarded for future generations, without compromising the needs of the current users.
Business Development Unit (BDU) The Business Development Unit (BDU) is tasked with assessing applications of a commercial nature. In 2020, the number of new applications decreased from a monthly average of 168 in 2019 to 131 in 2020, for an annual total of 1,568. 1,423 applications, amounting to 91% of the total applications received within BDU, were full development applications.
The vast majority of applications were concluded on time. The number of applications concluded was equivalent to the number of incoming applications, and therefore the pending caseload, which was already minimal, was not increased.
Integrated Assessment & Permitting Unit During the year, the Regularisation Team received a total of 2,550 new applications, which is evidently a drop in in the number of submission when compared to 2019. The Minor Amendments Team’s workload increased significantly this year. The team saw a 50% increase in submission when compared to the previous years. The Development Notification Team also registered a drop in the number of submitted requests when compared to last year’s figures. This year the Authority received 1,374 requests while in 2019 it received 1,595.
The Sanita’ Team processed thousands of Full Development Applications for the entire Directorate. This year assessments reached 24,000 and these include revised drawings. The Billing Team issued 10,189 bills during the year.
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PLANNING DIRECTORATE Director - Perit Christopher Borg Introduction
The year 2020 has been a very challenging one since the new Planning Directorate had to shift most of its operations to a virtual platform within a few days, in light of the pandemic. During this difficult period, the two divisions within the Planning Directorate experienced an increased workload, which was dealt with efficiently despite the lack of crucial resources. This success must be attributed to the efforts and initiatives of both management and staff within the Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs and Funding Division, as well as the Strategic and Policy Formulation Division.
Foreign Policy Research, EU Affairs and Funding Division (FPREAFD) Development Planning Fund
During the year, several initiatives were undertaken and others have also been extended to 2021. With regards to local funding, 17 contracts were issued for projects, that collectively amount to over €1.4 million. During this same period, 42 payments were effected, which amounted to approximately €2.3 million. These results are considered to be impressive, especially when taking into account the adverse impact of Covid-19, the overhaul of the PA funding procedures in June 2020 and the Local Council elections in 2019, with the resultant changes in the Local Councils composition.
17 CONTRACTS ISSUED FOR FUNDING OF LOCAL PROJECTS
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The PA funding procedure was overhauled halfway through the year. There were many changes, including changes to the way partnerships are considered, the proportion of PA funds allocated for various initiatives, including improved funding allocated to the Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI). In most of the latter instances, the financing is allocated at a maximum rate of 100% of the eligible funds and in one particular case (vertical walls), an additional bonus of 5% is also allocated. Moreover, in GBI cases, it is contemplated that payments are granted for studies associated with such schemes and maintenance up until a maximum period of five (5) years. Additionally, the “Sebbaħ Il-Lokal” scheme was extended by a further 2 years until December 2022, and the capping available to the localities was changed from €5 million to €7 million. The possibility of “ring fencing” of PA funds was also introduced. All these changes were communicated to all local councils, through presentations conducted on a regional basis. Significant interest was registered from NGOs after these changes were communicated, and it is expected that a good number of interesting proposals will be submitted to this effect in 2021.
All the relevant material for PA funding through various schemes, including draft contracts and associated documentation, was prepared by staff working within this division for consideration by the PA’s Development Planning Fund Committee.
In-house Green Transport Scheme The Division is also responsible for the initiatives regarding sustainable transport (green transport). Before the Covid-19 pandemic featured prominently in the local scene, approximately 25% of the PA’s employees participated in one of the nine initiatives related to sustainable transport operated by the PA. These initiatives were suspended as a result of Covid-19. However, pervasive teleworking adopted by the PA has translated into a different kind of positive impact on the environment.
EU and Multilateral Affairs Unit (EUMA) During 2020, the EU and Multilateral Affairs Unit (EUMA) successfully coordinated the award of 4 new projects: 16
• MSP MED on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Mediterranean,
• ‘URBACT Healthy Cities’ – a project where health is linked to the spatial planning process, • PA ICT project supported by DG Reform - a study on the PA’s operational aspect of its ICT Unit and proposals for change,
• ‘PlacePlan’ - a project funded by the Erasmus+ Program.
The PA, through the Unit, submitted an application for Erasmus+ accreditation, which is currently being evaluated. EUMA continued to coordinate 11 other projects and closed 3 projects; one on Smart Cities, Erasmus and the SimwestMed Project on MSP. In total, during the year, EUMA managed
EUMA 2020 €10 MILLION INVESTMENT
14 projects with a budget of around €10 million. Regarding the development of new projects, EUMA continued to work on the Authority’s priorities of
projects
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identifying projects which are to be funded from the 2020-2027 Operational Program. The priority areas include access to information on planning, digital information and tools, and the built heritage.
EUMA has also been instrumental in coordinating the PA’s position within the EU and United Nations, including discussions on proposed EU legislation, such as that on the trans-European network for transport, and on the implementation of EU legislation, including the MSP Directive and the EU Urban Agenda. Assessments of various other sectoral policy documents were carried out, to ensure that aspects related to planning are taken into account in other sectors at EU level. Topics ranged from the Aarhus Convention, environmental noise and the Barcelona Convention. EUMA has also facilitated staff capacity building for the PA in relation to international affairs, through the participation and attendance of related courses and seminars.
Strategic and Policy Formulation Division Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) During 2020, the Strategic Planning Unit finalised a Development Brief, a Supplementary Planning Guidance, a discussion paper and two Partial Local Plan Reviews, while also amending three Local Plans. The Unit also continued processing four other pending Local Plan reviews that had already been initiated.
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Following the launch of the SPED review, terms of reference for internal and external studies were prepared, intended to gather data, identify issues and examine future potential development scenarios. Concurrently, documentation for the issue of a tender document to commission the required external studies was also prepared. Moreover, as part of the ongoing Development Planning Application Monitoring Programme, this Unit analysed over 12,000 permissions for development based on which information of development trends is collated for further analysis and information purposes to assist strategic planning.
Furthermore, the Strategic Planning Unit received 15 planning control applications for changes to zoning of sites, 13 of which were referred to the Executive Council for its consideration. During the same year, the processing of planning control alignment applications was assigned to the Unit. In total, the unit received 75 planning control alignment applications, of which 69 were referred for a decision.
Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) The Heritage Planning Unit (HPU) is responsible for several tasks emanating directly from the main planning legislation, as well as its interpretation in subsidiary legislation. The Unit continued with its function to provide support and advice to the Development Management Directorate on heritage proposals in minor amendment applications, Development Notification Order applications and Planning Control applications. The Unit also continued to support the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate on heritage issues, including the periodic monitoring of sites.
As part of the Unit’s responsibilities, throughout 2020, the Unit processed over 339 requests for the exemption of stamp duty on properties in urban conservation areas.
During the year, the Unit started working on the Green Your Building Scheme, which would eventually be launch in January 2021. This scheme seeks to introduce green infrastructure that can substantially mitigate the adverse impacts that urbanisation and densely populated areas have on the environment, resulting in better air quality, water management and biodiversity 18
protection.
Irrestawra Darek scheme The Unit continued to administratively support the three “Irrestawra Darek” schemes which were issued for the period of three (3) successive years. Throughout the year this also included the carrying out of site inspections to verify that works are in accordance with the required scheme conditions.
Over the past 3 years, the Planning Authority provided financial assistance, equivalent to €23 million to over 2,080 property owners whose residential property falls within the village cores of our Islands. This year, the Authority committed a further €3 million to those property owners who, due to the overwhelming response, missed out on receiving financial assistance in the last edition and were placed on a ‘waiting list’.
Valletta Marsamxett Grant Scheme The Planning Authority, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, launched the 2nd edition of the Valletta Marsamxett Grant Scheme. This scheme is also administered by HPU and it was decided that for this edition the eligible works will be widened to include the restoration and maintenance of all timber balconies, apertures, doors and wrought iron open balconies that are on the façade of the building.
To encourage residents to take up this ‘one-time’ opportunity and help improve the quality of life within this zone, the scheme will fully fund the works associated with the restoration or replacement of the open or timber balcony. This includes the professional fees of an architect and the costs to hire scaffolding during the works.
The grant scheme of €300,000 was made available only for those properties which are used as residences. This excludes offices, commercial buildings, non-government organisations or religious buildings. The scheme will close in 2021.
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Cultural Heritage in Action Following an open call for contributions launched in February 2020 by the European Commission, the HPU submitted the project it had worked on related to the Conservation and Restoration of Traditional Closed Timber Balconies. Together with another 31 local and regional practices, HPU’s project was selected to be featured in a European catalogue of good practices. The featured practices are policies, projects, events or organisational structures developed by local and regional authorities. In collaboration with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Authority scheduled a number of properties and statues during the year. Most notable were 6 medieval chapels, the neoclassical gardens of Villa Ciantar in Pieta, 33 properties and monuments in Rabat, a palazzino in Zejtun and the former Gozitan residence of renowned British author Nicholas Monsarrat in San Lawrenz, Gozo.
Green, Blue, Development Unit (GBDU) The main business objectives of the GBD Unit are to assist the Planning Authority in fulfilling its roles and functions in relation to sustainability. In 2021, the unit’s work and deliverables shall be centred around maritime spatial planning (MSP), coastal zone management, green infrastructure and fulfilling the PA’s obligation on the public domain legislation. Through GBDU, the PA is participating in an EU funded project MSP-MED, which started in March 2020. Through this project, the PA is aligning its current work to improve governance at national level in both policy formulation and data management for MSP, and exchange experience for wider co-operation with other Member States. The project is expected to end by 2022. The GBDU also focused attention on determining the vulnerability of the coastal zone to erosion, preparing recommendations for integrating coastal erosion in spatial planning policies and assessing development applications in vulnerable areas. The GBDU acts as the national contact for the implementation of the EU MSP Directive and the UNEP/MAP ICZM Protocol and in 2020 prepared the 2020 Biennial report of the ICZM Protocol implementation covering the period 2018-2019.
In the same year, the GBDU co-ordinated an internal working group to prepare draft policy 20
recommendations for the uptake of Green Infrastructure, to support the implementation of relevant
SPED policies, as well as national initiatives concerning biodiversity and climate adaptation. In parallel to this, the GBDU drafted the technical requirements that enable specific funding for Green Infrastructure within the PA’s Development Planning Fund and similar schemes.
The GBDU aims to mainstream sustainability within the planning framework. This was carried out through various works, including refining the PA’s proposed procedures for the uptake of Social Impact Assessments related to development plans and projects, the provision of technical advice to national positions and policy documents, and the monitoring and auditing of the PA’s work in implementing the provisions of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations. In particular, the GBDU initiated an inhouse desk study to identify how the environmental concerns, as raised by the EIA of projects, have been taken up during the decision-making process. The unit has also been monitoring the contractual deliverables for the SEA and AA of the Solar Farms Policy.
The GBDU concluded the review of the 2017 Annual report on Public Domain. In the first quarter of 2020 it supported the public consultation and subsequently concluded the 2018 and 2019 Annual reports, which were approved by the PA and forwarded to the Minister responsible for Lands as per the legal requirement.
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COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE Director - Perit Raphael Axiak The Compliance and Enforcement Directorate is tasked with monitoring, regulation and enforcement obligations of the Planning Authority, as required by the Development Planning Act (2016) and subsidiary legislation. The year 2020 was a remarkable year, one of the most extraordinary years on record during most of our lifetimes.
Perhaps the greatest impact of the pandemic was the changes it brought to the work practices of the Directorate. As part of a longer-term strategy, over the past years, the Directorate was in the process of transitioning to a paperless working environment. Indeed, by the beginning of January 2020, the Directorate had already shifted to fully digitised systems, whereby physical case files were no longer being created. Printing was already limited to the bare minimum; including the legally-required documents which are fixed on site, such as the enforcement notices.
The onset of the pandemic brought with it a time of uncertainty, nonetheless, it accelerated the pace with which we are adopting opportunities to do things differently. All staff shifted to remote working over one weekend in mid-March 2020. Nonetheless, site inspections could not cease, with the officers being required to take all the necessary precautions as instructed by the health authorities. By embracing change, the Directorate transformed its operations to ensure that work continued to be done smarter in spite of the pandemic. Consequently, the operations of the Directorate were only slightly disrupted during the pandemic, even with all the difficulties and challenges, and indeed the quality of services delivered surpassed that of the previous year.
Directorate organisation and responsibilities The workforce of the various Units within the Directorate continued to be bolstered with the addition of a new team manager assigned to the Sectors/Major Projects Team and new Compliance and Enforcement officers with the Development Zone Team and the Outside Development Zone Team. The Sectors/Major Projects Team is responsible for overseeing the major projects being carried out, as well as other sector-specific developments.
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These include the livestock farms, scrapyards, quarries and batching plants. Thus, a strong workforce is fundamental to deal with the daily tasks and challenges faced by the Team.
The recruitment of additional officers within the Development Zone Team and the Outside Development Zone Team enabled better redistribution of areas of responsibilities, enhancing work efficiency and productivity. This year, the Directorate was also requested to enforce the Environmental Management Construction Site Regulations, which prohibit demolition and excavation works in tourism areas, as designated by the Malta Tourism Authority, during the summer months.
Commencement Notices Article 72(4) of the Development Planning Act (2016) requires the submission of a commencement notice, prior to the utilisation of permission or prior to the commencement of works, for each development permission issued. The submission of the commencement notice triggers an internal procedure whereby officers are notified of the commencement date of works for monitoring purposes. Commencement notices must be submitted on the form prescribed by the Authority. These must be in-line with PA permissions, regularisation (RG) permissions, Development Notification (DN) permissions, and Removal of Structural Danger (DS) consents.
During 2020, the Directorate received 9,749 commencement notices of which 6,546 notices related to PA permissions; 2,276 to RG permissions; 746 to DN permissions and 181 notices related to DS consents. The decrease of 1,782 commencement notices over the previous year is likely attributed to the effect of the pandemic in relation to commencement of new development. Each commencement notice was vetted to ensure that each section is duly filled in and to ensure that the notice had been validly submitted. If the commencement notice is invalid, any development carried out would be illegal.
Monitoring and surveillance The Directorate pro-actively monitors ongoing development, with the aim of limiting abuse, promoting self-compliance and, where necessary, initiate enforcement proceedings in a timely 24
manner. The Directorate makes use of unmanned aircrafts (drones), especially in ODZ and
sensitive areas, to gather baseline data and access remote areas for investigation purposes. In addition, tablets and smart phones are extensively used by the officers to access information remotely and resolve issues immediately. The increase in human and technological resources meant that officers could dedicate more time to the monitoring of ongoing works, as well as on verifying adherence to permission conditions and approved documentation. Such monitoring led to fewer problems at compliance certification stage, rendering the whole process smoother for developers and occupants of individual units.
During 2020, the Directorate introduced a risk-based monitoring matrix which categorises the various types of development permissions and establishes the frequency of monitoring inspections that are to be carried out. This tool is incorporated in the Authority’s database management system (Artemis) to enable better management of the caseload. Each case is allocated a priority level depending on the type/nature of the development. The priority level reflects the frequency of monitoring required. Details of the relative monitoring inspections are recorded in a systematic way so that the data is easily accessible throughout the whole process. This tool proved to be particularly useful, even during this difficult year.
During the year, the Directorate conducted over 15,000 site inspections, which included those relating to complaints, enforcement notices, monitoring of permission and requests for compliance certificates. This means that, despite the restrictions, officers still managed to conduct at least 60 inspections per working day throughout the year of the pandemic.
PlotGIS queries The launching of the new PlotGIS system created a direct link between an application for development permission, submitted by an applicant, and any enforcement notice on the site, which is either pending or else closed but relative to which fines and/or fees are due. In this regard, the Directorate’s response to PlotGIS queries has facilitated the recuperation of pending fines and fees since applications would not be processed and/or determined prior to the settlement of such dues. Throughout 2020, the Directorate maintained constant and timely feedback on planning applications and PlotGIS queries by providing a response to 1,384 requests. 25
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Compliance Certification During 2020, the Directorate received another record number of 11,041 requests for the issuing of compliance certificates. This represented an increase of 599 requests over the previous year. Processing of such requests requires site inspections by officers and these continued throughout the pandemic. Most of the inspections are on premises which are not yet inhabited, however, the necessary health precautions relating to the COVID-19 virus were still rigorously followed.
Complaints regarding alleged illegal developments During 2020, the Directorate received 3,313 complaints from various sources, alleging illegal development. This represents an increase of 139 complaints over the previous year. Nonetheless, the Directorate managed to investigate and close off a total of 3,347 complaints during 2020. Following investigation in 55% of the cases, the Authority found that illegal development was being carried out. The property owner/occupier submitted an application to sanction works for 818 of the complaint cases. In 45% of the cases, the contraveners themselves complied or removed the illegalities, prior to further action being taken. As a result, during the year, the Directorate was compelled to issue 145 enforcement notices resulting from complaints received.
Warning Notice and Standard Operating Procedure Although the persuasion approach was, and still is, being embraced by the Directorate when dealing with contraventions, it is fundamental that ongoing illegal development and abuse is stopped in a timely manner. Where works on a site are not permitted or else when permission has been granted but the deviations from the approved drawings are significant, it is mandatory for the Directorate to enforce the cessation of works until the illegal development is removed or rightful permission is obtained. Moreover, the Directorate proceeded to establish a standard operating procedure for the use of the Warning Notice, an additional enforcement tool which is contemplated in the Development Planning Act. This was done to show when action is required. The procedure ensures a more structured and effective approach, which caters for a progressively escalating course of action. Therefore, as the name implies, the Warning Notice is intended to serve as a first caution, followed by a Stop Notice in case the original instructions are ignored and illegal works persist. This process enables the Authority to proceed in sealing off the site,
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if the need arises, to prohibit further illegal development being carried out. An additional step involves the issuing of a Stop and Enforcement Notice, particularly in cases where no remedial works and/or action is taken by the contravener. This procedure is not a stand-alone process. It needs to be considered within the overall compliance strategy whereby identification of an infringement leads to informal negotiations between the officers and contraveners.
As has been the case in numerous investigations conducted during 2020, the engagement of informal negotiations at an early stage often leads to avoiding more formal enforcement action. Evidently, where negotiations and discussions fail, officers are compelled to issue stop and enforcement notices in response to breaches and contraventions of the Act, subsidiary legislation and/or permissions requiring the contravener to do, or stop doing, a specific action and to remedy the situation.
Stop and Enforcement Notices In line with the Directorate’s overall objectives, every effort was made to solve cases in an amicable manner without the need to resort to formal enforcement action. Unavoidably, stop and enforcement notices still had to be issued, especially in cases where abuse persisted and cooperation from contraveners was not forthcoming.
During 2020, a total of 169 stop and enforcement notices were issued, representing a decrease of circa 26% from the previous year. This is in-line with the Directorate’s strategy to resolve infringements by addressing them through other means which are more efficient, rather than by the issuing enforcement notices. Indeed, almost 60% of the notices issued were subject to daily fines, which act as a positive deterrent against contraveners, allowing them to rectify their position within the shortest possible timeframe.
During 2020, the Directorate closed a total of 749 stop and enforcement notices. 289 of these were closed after a permission to sanction the illegal development was issued. A further 239 enforcement notices were closed since the illegal development was removed by the contravener, whilst 74 cases were closed as a result of the removal of the illegalities through direct action by the Directorate. On the other hand, 147 cases were closed since the subject matter of the notices 28
was no longer included in the legislative and policy framework.
At the end of 2020, the pending caseload of stop and enforcement notices issued since 1993 stood at almost 5,600. This is a decrease of over 8% from the pending caseload at the end of 2019. However, only 445 of these pending enforcement notices are subject to daily fines. Nonetheless, officers are not only dealing with illegal development that has cropped up recently, but they are also dealing with cases of illegal development which have accumulated over the years since 1993.
Direct Actions 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 greatest impact of the pandemic on the operations of the Directorate were in relation to direct action cases. During 2020, 74 notices were closed as a result of the Planning Authority removing illegal developments through direct action. Organising a direct action requires bringing together various entities, including members of the Police force, to carry out a site operation. This raised unforeseen challenges during the period of the pandemic and options pertaining to direct action were thus stifled by health regulations and restrictions. In addition, Police personnel could not always assist the Authority during direct actions since they were deployed to deal with health emergencies.
For these reasons, the Direct Action Team also focused on an exercise to take stock, update and deal with the pending enforcement notices dating back to 1993. In view of the recent adoption of new regulations and planning policies, each case is being reviewed and acted upon accordingly. Sites are being inspected for monitoring and updating purposes, with cases being shortlisted for any future actions. 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 Authority to remove the illegal development through direct action.
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ICT, MAPPING AND DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE Director - Ing Stephen Ferrito The ICT, Mapping and Digital Services Directorate has had yet another very challenging and successful year with a number of units facing tall orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operations Unit The Operations Unit continued its positive trend whilst taking on the new challenges that remote working has presented.
In 2020, despite experiencing a decrease of around 8% in the number of applications, the Initial Vetters processed a total
-6.1%
of 11,133 initial vetting requests, a decrease of 6.1% from 2019. This is evidently due to a decrease in the number of applications. The number includes applications which needed to be re-vetted following their referral from the summary to full process. Most of such requests were processed within five working days.
2019 2020 VETTING REQUESTS FOR PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Plotting Team The Plotting Team managed to plot 9,950 planning applications, 1,197 development notifications and 1,885 regularisation applications; totalling 13,032 applications. This reflects a decrease of around 22% from 2019 due to the reduced number of applications submitted and, as a result, human resources from this section have been redeployed elsewhere within the Authority. This was done in an effort to continually utilise available resources in the best way possible. The vast majority of applications are plotted within 4 days.
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Customer Care Unit The Customer Care Unit had a busy year, dealing with 106,151 calls; of which 33,194 calls were dealt with by the operators, 68,325 calls by the Customer Care section and 4,632 calls by the Enforcement Complaints section. This was complemented by replying to 21,205 emails. Furthermore, the Front Desk continued to offer an effective service throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, by assimilating new skills such as using teleconferencing to offer file viewing services.
The Authority ensured that all the services required by the public continued to be offered, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Mailroom and Record Retention personnel were still present at work throughout the year, ensuring continuity of all services that could not be digitised, such as permit printing and receipt and review of snail mail. Front Desk personnel ensured that we continued to offer face-to-face services to customers who, for various reasons, preferred this type of interaction.
The Authority ensured that requests for older non-digitised applications could be scanned and eventually displayed to customers online. This was possible thanks to Front Desk personnel, who mastered online communication systems, and the Records Retention team who locate the necessary physical files and digitise or check the digitisation process. Once client requirements are identified, digital / physical copies can then be purchased online. This ensures that clients receive an efficient and effective service, while also protecting citizen’s health. This service could not have been provided were it not for the scanning initiative undertaken by the Authority in 2019 as part of the Document Management System Project, which is managed by Jobsplus through National Funds, with MaltaPost p.l.c being the contractor for the provision of such service.
The Authority is satisfied that all the services which used to be rendered physically could continue to be offered with excellence, thanks to its dedicated employees and its strong ICT infrastructure, despite the surreal pandemic situation.
Geomatics and IR Section The Geomatics and IR Section also faced a very challenging year. Most of the section’s goals for 32
the year were achieved by adopting a cross-functional teamwork approach.
In the first quarter, the Mapping Unit, with the assistance of the newly formed Data Harmonisation
NEW BASE MAP
and Standardisation Team (DHST), successfully launched the Authority’s new base map. The process of updating the base map was also initiated. The first base map to be updated was that of Gozo. Here, mission preparation, flight plans, data capture (use of unmanned aerial vehicles), analysis, change detection and editing techniques were all new methodologies and techniques adopted by the team. A staggering 748 ground control points had to be planned and set out to enable the drone capture process. Once the required quality checks are concluded, in 2021 the Authority will officially launch the updated Gozo base map.
Information Resources Unit The Information Resources Unit was also instrumental in providing spatial data streams to the European Environment Agency and the Central Bank. The unit provided data analysis for the development capacity study. It was also at the forefront of aiding the conceptualisation and planning for a future where virtual/augmented reality, real-time data gathering via sensors and artificial intelligence will ensure that the Authority and other Maltese agencies can make informed decisions based on real data.
The Data Harmonisation and Standardisation Team, during its year of inception, was instrumental in creating awareness on the SIntegraM portal and assisting the upload of data streams onto the portal, while also coordinating the eventual handover process of the INSPIRE directive from MITA to the Authority. The Land Surveying Unit also rose to the occasion to meet the substantial 25% increase in requests for setting-outs. This increase in output is even more significant when considering that it necessitated work outside of the office in the challenging context of COVID-19. Furthermore, the Alignment Interpretation section processed around 3,900 cases, which is a substantial increase of approximately 57% from the requests processed in 2019.
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Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) Unit At the start of 2020, the ICT Unit could not have anticipated the challenges it would be facing throughout the year. The Unit started out with its usual yearly plans, comprising the eventual purchase of equipment, including servers, laptops and Parallels
200 LAPTOPS TO EMPLOYEES
licences to continue to extend the hot desking/ teleworking project which was being rolled out for Planning Authority employees.
No one expected that the unit would have to set up a whole new Parallels system in record time and roll out over 200 laptops to employees over one weekend. The teamwork within the ICT Unit during this period, working long hours together to achieve this impressive feat, was truly commendable.
The introduction of an online, real-time helpdesk support system has proved to be of vital importance during the pandemic. To ensure that the Authority kept offering its clients an uninterrupted service in these surreal times, the Unit was tasked with setting up a virtual Council/ Board/Commission meetings system. This system enabled the deciding bodies to continue to function without compromising transparency and the right of the public to attend such meetings.
Even with all these unexpected challenges, the ICT team continued to carry out continuous improvement tasks relating to work operational systems and their automation, such as a bank guarantee system, an easier and more efficient plan printing system for all development permits, together with programs to assist the administration systems of other Directorates / Units. Servers and systems were also updated to be able to handle the new detailed base map which was launched in this same year.
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CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE Director - Mr Kevin Portelli Human Resources Unit The first months of 2020 were significantly marked by changes in processes and working methodologies in reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak. Despite this crisis of unprecedented magnitude for our times, the Human Resources Unit was very quick to react and adapt to the ‘new’ normal.
The Unit went into full gear and co-ordinated new teleworking arrangements for all employees who could work remotely. This involved adding 208 employees to the exisiting teleworking platform, while rosters were designed for those functions that required an ongoing presence at the office or on-site.
In the weeks following the outbreak of Covid-19, the Unit published policies and guidelines based on the principles of social distancing, enhanced hygienic practices and minimised infection risks, for work practices which involved face to face contact. The unit also acted as the Authority’s focal point with the health authorities and administered quarantine leave.
The pandemic did not slow the momentum gained by the Human Resources Unit in the pursuit of its objectives for the year. During 2020, the Human Resources Unit proceeded with the implementation of the Authority’s ongoing strategies on manpower planning and capacity building, succession planning, learning and development, health and safety, employee wellbeing initiatives and corporate social responsibility.
During the year, the Unit coordinated a number of engagements as part of the Authority’s capacity building and manpower planning strategy, and continued to participate in the apprenticeship sponsorship scheme for IT, planning and land surveying. These schemes not only offer apprentices an opportunity to gain work experience, but also encourage these students to join the same Authority once they complete their studies. In total, the Unit processed 30 calls for
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application to fill 47 vacancies. This involved the processing of 385 applications and interviewing 196 candidates. Most interview sessions during the year were held through videoconferencing.
In a bid to attract new talent and consolidate its employer’s branding, in December 2020 the Unit co-ordinated the Authority’s participation in the MCAST Research and Innovation Expo 2020. The event was held through a virtual platform in an immersive 3D campus.
As part of the Authority’s succession planning strategy, 10 employees progressed to the second year of the bachelor’s degree course in Planning Studies. This course is fully sponsored by the Authority.
The Authority has once again tapped funding under the Erasmus+ Programme so that 12 employees avail of valuable overseas job shadowing experience. Through the placements, participants will be exposed to work processes and procedures adopted by foreign organisations, in the areas of forward planning, cultural heritage, human resources management,
JOB SHADOWING EXPERIENCE
project management, remote sensing, mapping and land surveying. The Authority also applied for Erasmus accreditation for 2021 to 2027, which will provide the Authority with a simplified access to Key Action 1 funding opportunities.
Another EU-funded learning initiative pursued in 2020 is the PA+ project. This training programme funded through the European Social Fund, provided employees with training in operational management, customer care, media and communications, EU Affairs and ICT. The activities carried out in 2020 included mentoring booth sessions, a post-mystery shopper exercise and the evaluation of awareness campaigns 1 and 2. More activities are envisaged for 2021.
The Authority, through the SpatialTRain project which is part-financed from the European Social Fund, awarded sponsorships to another 4 employees to pursue a certificate level course in the 38
field of geomatics.
Through the various learning and development initiatives, the Authority provided its employees with 951 hours of training during 2020, mostly provided through videoconferencing. Through these courses, the Authority is equipping and updating its staff with the necessary skills in order to constantly improve the quality of the services provided by the Authority.
951 HOURS OF TRAINING PROVIDED TO EMPL0YEES
Alternative arrangements had to be made to the annual eye-tests for VDU-users, which are normally carried out at head office. Instead, this year, as a Covid-19 mitigation measure, the Authority agreed with three service-providers for tests to be carried out in various clinics in Malta and Gozo. The Unit was responsible for the implementation of a new health insurance programme and the subsequent administration of claims.
With most employees working from home, the Unit invested much of its time to regularly contact employees to provide mental and emotional support. It also promoted and supported the Employee Assistance Program offered by the public service, in view of the higher incidence of problems caused by the pandemic.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Authority supported charities through own donations and ongoing appeals for contributions among its employees. The Authority actively promoted the donation of vacation leave to the Government’s central leave fund which assists public employees who need to be away from work to handle a difficult situation. Three blood donation events were held during 2020 and a total of 21 units of blood were collected.
Procurement and Support Services Unit During 2020, the Authority published and awarded a number of tenders for the provision of services and supplies to the Authority. These included tenders for the works related to the new Planning Authority Gozo premises, the procurement of ICT hardware and software, the leasing of multi-functional printers, and the leasing of more efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Other tenders were issued for the provision of a health insurance programme for employees, the provision of cleaning services, consultancy services in architecture and building conservation, and consultancy services on public relations and marketing.
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During the same year, the Authority negotiated a number of service and supply contracts for refurbishment works on the canopy leading to the main entrance of the Authority, a research survey on land reclamation, the formulation of socio-economic heat maps of residential and commercial development, and the urgent procurement of hardware, software and licenses for the expansion of the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure which enabled all office-based employees to work remotely.
During the first quarter of the year, the Support Services section was entrusted with the responsibility of procuring, installing, and distributing Covid-19 mitigation equipment in all Authority buildings and co-ordinating the implementation of infection mitigation measures. These included the distribution of personal protective equipment, the installation of social distance signs and perspex at points where social distance cannot be respected.
The Section also co-ordinated laboratory tests for legionella and took care of the sanitisation of offices where cases of infection or close contact with a case have been reported.
The Section co-ordinated various refurbishment works as part of its ongoing maintenance programme. These include the replacement of the broken perspex on the garden canopy, garden maintenance works, water-proofing works and the refurbishment of the mapping, land surveying and information resources offices.
Finance Unit During 2020, the Finance Unit took up a number of initiatives directed at further improving the quality of service provided to its internal and external clients. Such initiatives include the use of online fee payment services for customers, more efficient and detailed reporting of financial information, through further simplification and automation of internal processes, the upgrading of payroll software to a solution with enhanced reporting capabilities and the investment in Malta Government Stocks to save negative interest on bank deposits and maximise interest return.
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The Unit proceeded with its role of managing the finances of the Authority and of the various schemes administered by the Authority. This included regular reporting on the Development Planning Fund and the Irrestawra Darek Schemes, ongoing provision of accounting services to EU and Multilateral Affairs in relation to EU funding claims, and the timely processing of refunds on overpaid, withdrawn and refused applications for development permits.
Debt Collection Office In 2020, the Debt Collection Office proceeded with is collection efforts for the recovery of amounts due to the Authority on daily fines, credit agreements with developers paying their permit application fees by installments, and other debts. The Office reviewed a number of credit agreements, suspending repayments and extending the repayment period for clients having financial difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Regular vetting of enforcement files was carried out by the Office to ensure the accurate and timely issue of daily fines invoices by the Finance Unit and mitigate any future recovery issues. During 2020, the Debt Collection Office processed 259 invoices for daily fines and enforcement direct action, and issued 85 ittri bonarji.
The Office also provided regular assistance to the Legal Office and the Compliance and Enforcement Directorate in cases where executive judicial letters have been contested in Court, when drawing up affidavits and administering oaths, and in petitions for compromise penalties before the Executive Council.
During 2020, the Debt Collection Office provided its assistance to the Enforcement Directorate in 27 petitions against daily fines before the Executive Council. The Office drew up affidavits and administered oaths to 19 enforcement officers summoned by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal. During the year, the Office assisted the Appeals Team during sittings on appeals from enforcement notices, appeals from refusals of development permit applications, and appeals by third parties, which are reviewed by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal. The Office also temporarily assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Authority’s 42
Legal Office while this was being restructured.
The Office periodically monitors petitions, appeals and court cases in order to take appropriate follow-up action. It also liaises regularly with the Planning Commission in respect of development permit applications being processed which have pending daily fines and/or enforcement action bills due on the site to which the application relates.
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COUNCIL, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Executive Council Chairperson Mr Martin Saliba
Members Perit Vincent Cassar Dr Louise Spiteri (replaced by Ms Carmen Buttigieg in March 2020) Mr Jesmond Muscat (replaced by Dr Saviour Formosa in March 2020) Dr Christian Zammit (replaced by Ms Sharon Mifsud in March 2020) Perit Elizabeth Ellul (replaced by Mr Martin Camilleri in March 2020) Perit Michelle Piccinino
Secretary Dr Anita Giordimaina (replaced by Ms Yoanne Muscat in March 2020)
Planning Board Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar
Deputy Chairperson Perit Elizabeth Ellul (replaced by Mr Martin Camilleri in June 2020)
Independent Members Mr Nigel Grech (appointed in March 2020 and replaced by Mr Joseph Brincat in April 2020) Perit Duncan Mifsud Perit Deborah Busutill (replaced by Dr Chris Cilia in March 2020) Mr Karl Attard (replaced by Mr Gilmour Camilleri in March 2020) Mr Sean Mangion (appointed in March 2020) Mr Omar Vella (appointed in March 2020)
Representative of Environment NGOs Ms Annick Bonello 44
ERA Representative Prof Victor Axiak
Public Officers Ms Jacqueline Gili (replaced by Mr Saviour Debono Grech in March 2020) Ms Simone Mousu’ (replaced by Mr Omar Vella in March 2020)
Members of the House of Representatives Hon Clayton Bartolo (resigned in January 2020)
Secretary Mr Joseph Borg (replaced by Ms Yoanne Muscat in March 2020)
Planning Commissions
Development Permissions (within Development Scheme) Chairperson Perit Simon Saliba (replaced by Perit Claude Mallia in November 2020)
Members Perit Anthony Camilleri Ms Stephania Baldacchino (Between March and September 2020 Ms Baldacchino was a member of the Regularisation Commission)
Supplementary Member Perit Mireille Fsadni
Secretary Ms Lorna Vella
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Outside Development Zone and Urban Conservation Areas Chairperson Perit Elizabeth Ellul (replaced by Mr Martin Camilleri in February 2020)
Members Mr Anthony Borg Perit Claude Mallia (replaced by Mr Frank Ivan Caruana Catania in February 2020) (Between March and September 2020 Perit Mallia was a member of the Planning Commission, within Development Scheme)
Supplementary Member Mr Carmel Caruana
Secretary Ms Monica Gauci
Regularisation Permissions Chairperson Mr Martin Camilleri (replaced by Perit Elizabeth Ellul in February 2020)
Members Dr Charles F Grech (Dr Grech was a Supplementary member between February and November 2020) Dr Pierre Hili
Supplementary Member Mr Frank Ivan Caruana Catania (moved to Planning Commission ODZ and UCAs in February 2020)
Secretary Ms Claudine Faure
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Design Advisory Committee Chairperson Dr David Mallia
Members Perit Kevin Fsadni Dr Charlene Vella
Secretary Mr Eugenio Delceppo
Agriculture Advisory Committee Chairperson Mr Sharlo Camilleri (replaced by Mr James Gauci in April 2020)
Members Mr Saviour Debono Grech (replaced by Ms Marcelle Aguis in April 2020) Dr Duncan Chetcuti Ganado Mr James Gauci (replaced by Mr Charles Spiteri in April 2020) Mr Neville Muscat Mr Sandro Sammut Mr Joseph Zammit
Secretary Mr Eugenio Deleppo
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Development Planning Fund Committee Chairperson Perit Vincent Cassar
Members Chev. Paul Farrugia Perit Frans Mallia Dr David Mallia Perit Rita Vella
Secretary Mr Enzo Cachia
Users’ Committee – Up until April 2020 Chairperson Dr Edward Woods (appointed in September 2019)
Members Ms Marie Barbara Perit Tara Cassar Perit Martin Debono Mr Philip Fenech Perit Simone Vella Lenicker Mr Mario Fava Perit Kevin Fsadni Mr Malcolm Mallia Mr David Xuereb
Secretary Mr Joseph Borg
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Users’ Committee - Appointed on the 15th September 2020 Chairperson Dr Edward Woods
Members Ms Marie Barbara Ms Astrid Vella Perit Martin Debono Mr Christian Vassallo Perit Simone Vella Lenicker Mr Mario Fava Mr Sandro Chetcuti Mr David Xuereb Mr David Mifsud
Secretary Ms Doris Farrugia
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2019 Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning Awards Category 1 Rehabilitation and Conservation Award (page 4) MODEL Aster House, Sliema Category 2 Urban Design Award (page 8) STUDJURBAN Residential property, Mosta Category 3 Public Open Space Award (page 10) GHRC IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RESTORATION DIRECTORATE Lapparelli Garden, Valletta Category 4 Commercial Buildings Award (page 14) BEZZINA and COLE Crane Currency (Malta), Hal Far Category 5 Interior Architecture Award for Residential Projects (page 22) FORWARD ARCHITECTS Single-family villa, Birguma Category 6 Interior Architecture Award for Commercial Projects (page 26) PERIT KENNETH ZAMMIT ENDRICH AND PERIT SAM CASSAR Vinaccia, Rabat Category 7 Urban Planning Concept Award (page 30) (X,Y,Z) ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN Cospicua Social Regeneration Project Category 8 Hospitality Tourism Accommodation and Leisure Award (page 34) FORWARD ARCHITECTS Rosselli Hotel, Valletta Category 9 Sustainability Award (page 36) MODEL Aster House, Sliema Category 10 Emerging Architects Award (page 40) ATELIER MAISON The Sacred Auditorium, Blata l-Bajda
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