The Marsaxlokk Bay local plan : a case study

Abstract

The Structure Plan published in December 1990 is a document which guides development and tries to protect the environment of the Maltese Islands. This strategic document makes provision to the preparation of Local Plans in order to treat local issues and problems in more detail. The first of these Local Plans was prepared to tackle the problems present in the Marsaxlokk Bay area. The focus of this study is an exploration of the formulation and implementation of the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan. Since local planning in the Maltese Islands is a new experience to both planners and the public, an investigation and analysis of the local planning process was conducted. Structure Plan policies relevant to the coastal zone are also discussed since these provide the strategic framework within which local planners had to operate when formulating the Marsaxlokk Bay Local Plan.