The wizards of ODZ

Abstract

Despite the numerous messages by local politicians and commentators on the need to safeguard remaining Outside Development Zone (ODZ) sites, one occasionally reads a tortuous piece by a correspondent who gives the impression of having misgivings about this. The piece by Michael Falzon ('ODZ is ODZ, or is it?' The Sunday Times, July 6), in which he adapts the famous phrase uttered by the Prime Minister at the height of election fever ('For me, ODZ is ODZ', March 4, 2008}, is a case in point. Falzon argued that some degree of ODZ development is untouchable, including areas of an agricultural, animal breeding and utility network nature. So far, so good. Then however, Falzon commended the siting of stables in ODZ areas by virtue of recently introduced legislation and also listed (as if condoning) the presence of hotels and discos in ODZ areas.