Introduction by the Chairperson of the Executive Council
Planning Directorate
Development Management Directorate
Compliance & Enforcement Directorate
ICT, Mapping, and Digital Services Directorate
Corporate Services Directorate
Council, Boards, and Committees
List of Images
Perit Christopher Borg
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 function 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 have been 8 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 review for Qawra and Paceville are
still under consideration. In 2023, there were 2 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 3 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 included also the finalisation of the national biennial report on the implementation of the Mediterranean Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management and participated in the National Focal Points meeting concerning the same Protocol, within the UNEP MAP framework.
4000 requests for funding
200 requests were concluded
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-Kazin, Green Your Building, Irrestawra Darek 2023 and Irrestawra Darek Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings). A total of circa 4000 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.
4 heritage assets
2 thematic proposals
This year also saw the conclusion of HPU’s participation in the EU funded ThreeT Project which culminated in the publication (survey, identification and digitization 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 8 international partners. This project is called FortHero and after a number of online meetings and the drafting of objectives and schedule, the project was submitted as part of the 2nd call of Interreg proposals.
In 2023, the HPU continued to work on scheduling, which is one of its core tasks. A total of 4 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 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 involve 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 fifty 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 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 minimize burden on the existing permit granting process. EUMA also shadowed the Executive Chairperson during negotiations on the EU Urban Agenda, ensuing 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 centralized 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, organized 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 6 new EU Funded Projects, 3 of which have been successful (TSI Work placements exchange on Geomatics, Erasmus+ VET Training Courses Abroad and EIT Healthy Cities Generator) and 3 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 6 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 8 (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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
During 2023, 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.
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.
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 hardware section
6,000 phone calls
17,000 emails over 2,700 requests
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 reprogram 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 meetings, old applications digitization and online viewing
10,000 personal service
2,700 online meetings
112,000 phone calls
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 digitization, 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 3-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 and serve as a reference point whenever operational difficulties
139 topographical surveys
1300 ground control points
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 1300 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 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
120
heads of mapping and cadastral agencies from all over Europe
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
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, 6 university students were engaged for a 12-month period in the fields of Architecture and Law, contributing to their academic and professional growth. Another 6 students from MCAST and 3 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.
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.
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, followed-
up on mystery shopper reports by implementing the corresponding recommendations, and supervised security and cleaning staff, while ensuring proper waste separation and disposal.
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.
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. The Unit 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 fund raising activities for various social causes.
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
The Planning Commission is currently composed of the following persons:
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
Francis Ravelin, Floriana, FRN 1230, Malta www.pa.org.mt