The dichotomy between the politics of planning and stakeholder engagement : the impact on outside development zone development in Malta

Abstract

Development in Outside Development Zones (ODZ) remains one of the most contentious aspects of Malta’s built environment. A trend whereby the number of development permits in ODZ increases significantly during election periods has led to some authors condemning ODZ development as a means of fulfilling election promises. It is acknowledged that urban planning and development control are used as political tools and are therefore influenced by different social forces. Malta is no exception, with the planning system being led by decisionmakers some of whom are politically appointed and subject to the final say of a Government Minister. One could therefore argue that decisions regarding development on ODZ land are subject to the influence of politics and stakeholder pressures, both statutory and non-governmental. This dissertation investigates this relationship between politicians and other stakeholders in the planning system; and how such networks influence development in ODZ. Using data generated through a Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS), this study formulates a better understanding of how politicians act within the planning framework and what instigates them to do so. PGIS is suited to this research since it has been developed on the principles of participatory planning, as a way of including those who have been excluded in traditional planning systems. The research gap that this dissertation addresses is widely acknowledged but has not yet been scientifically researched in the Maltese context. Results that have ensued from this approach show that networks of patronage and clientelism are still an integral part of Malta’s political and planning context, to the extent that they are almost institutionalized in nature. It has also been shown that such networks go beyond the realm of stakeholder perceptions, but that clientelist networks directly influence the planning process and do indeed determine the outcome of planning decisions. A significant characteristic of development in ODZ in Malta has therefore been highlighted and analysed in depth.