Safeguarding against conflicts of interest

Abstract

Contrary to the exercise conducted in 2006, the upcoming local plan revision will not disclose the identity of applicants, allegedly, according to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, to abide by the Data Protection Act. I disagree with this decision, as knowing who is behind a lobby (however small this may be) to extend a building zone is in the public interest (especially where construction magnates of a certain calibre and with a proven political affiliation are involved). But let’s give Mepa the benefit of the doubt for a moment and assume that this stance is motivated by genuine concerns to safeguard people’s private identity. Another issue immediately surfaces above the water... will the identity of the architect representing the applicant in question be published?