The devil is in the detail

Abstract

The recently-fledged PN environmental policy has, in general, received cautious approval by environmentalists. For instance, the Zonqor ODZ University development relocation certainly cannot be gainsaid. In addition, the shifting of the onus for final approval of ODZ applications from the Planning Authority to a two-thirds majority in Parliament has added an extra veil of control, although it remains unclear which ODZ applications will be assigned to such an assessment. Are we referring to large-scale ODZ applications only here, such as those entailing the building of schools, hospitals and whatnot, or does this safety-net incorporate as well the hundreds of small-scale ODZ applications submitted each year and which are fragmenting the remaining open spaces in a piecemeal fashion? I doubt that Parliament will be asked to vote on every and single ODZ application, thus removing the sting from what could have been a very effective measure, since, in practical terms, very few large-scale ODZ developments are brewed during an entire legislature.