Planning and politics : Pembroke, a case study

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between land-use planning and politics in Malta, through the application and evaluation of process models built around the Pembroke Action Planning exercise. This events described in the case study may be considered to be one of the first major tests of the balance between the role of the planner and the elected officials following the insitutionalisation of the planning function in 1992. Indeed, the preparation of Action Plans was meant to be an 'apolitical' exercise based on the same conception of autonomy behind the establishment of the Planning Authority. The Parliament had set the boundaries for this type of action through the Structure Plan and the Development Planning Act. The politicians believed that the planning agency was given all the instruments and resources to be able to direct the development of these special sites in the interest of the whole community. Although the framework seemed to theoretically support this ideal, the elected official did not forecast the issue of personalities within the structure. This is especially important in the planning profession due to the variety of styles which the practitioners adopt. The planners, on their part, failed to recognise the political strength of the community. The end result is that ten years after the site was earmarked as a prime development area, Pembroke still remains without any comprehensive development. This thesis explores and examines the processes that caused this status quo, and analyses the actions and measures, which the politicians introduced in order to get this dimension of planning to work according to their demands. It also suggests that the planner may avoid confrontation through the art of finding the right balance between the different rationalities of modern planning.