Public participation in the Maltese development control system

Abstract

This study focuses on the various interactions in development control which take place between the political domain, developers and the public. The study surveys the extent of public participation and the influence it sways on decision making and decision taking. The main objectives of the study are: 1. To identify the existing procedures of public participation as introduced by the 1992 Development Planning Act. 2. To identify the influence of public participation on the Maltese development control system. 3. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the present public participation procedures and the context in which it takes place. 4. To identify amelioration procedures which might improve public participation. The two years experience at the Planning Authority as a development control officer proved vital to the fulfilment of these objectives. This experience influenced the choice of the literature review - a review of ideas and opinions which are relevant to the Maltese situation. To some extent this experience at the Planning Authority and the exposure to different views about Public Participation influenced the choice of the case study. In fact the Hilton Development as a case study shows that the Public Participation framework still needs some refinement. The proposals outlined in the final chapter are meant as a contribution by way of ideas to 'fine tune' the present public participation framework. These recommendations are meant to induce more decision taking powers at the 'grass roots' of our community.