Sustainability and urban conservation in Malta

Abstract

Malta is a small island state which has been independent since 1964 and which joined the European Union in 2004. It has a very high population density and the continuous rise in the standard of living since World War II has resulted in a great expansion in urban development. Furthermore, during this period, the resident population within the historic village centres has declined continuously (Blouet, 1978). The increased pressure for development on virgin land, coupled with a desire to conserve the traditional dwellings in the historic centres, has lead to the initiation of a conservation programme within these urban conservation areas (UCA’s). Th is has encouraged sustainable development by making effective use of existing housing stock, thereby reducing the need for new housing and, at the same time, conserving traditional housing for future generations. This is in line with various International UNESCO charters which state that the adequate re-use of historic buildings is essential in ensuring their continued conservation. The drawing up of a Structure Plan for Malta (PSD, 1990), the Development Planning Act (1992) and the establishment of the Planning Authority (1992), which includes a specifi c unit for urban conservation, were instrumental in promoting the conservation and reuse of traditional dwellings as desirable up-market residences and this has considerably increased the available housing stock. The approval of the Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands brought about a revolution in the Maltese Planning System, which has been largely implemented by the Planning Authority and, since 2002 the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). In particular, chapter fifteen of the Structure Plan deals with Conservation and contains eighteen policies, which form the basis of the conservation strategy currently in force. One of the principal goals of these policies was the establishment of Urban Conservation Areas. Prior to this, the Temporary Provisions Schemes had defined what are known as Village Cores and these were subsequently studied in greater detail by means of a process which was finally completed by the approval of the Local Plans, in which the Urban Conservation Areas, and more recently, the Design Priority Areas, have been defined and been given specific policies. Another key document, which has had considerable influence in steering change within Urban Conservation Areas, is the “Design Guidance for Development within UCA’s” (PA, 1995). More general policies are given by the “Policy and Design Guidelines 2007” (MEPA, 2007). No description of these policy documents will be given here since they are all readily available online at: www.mepa.org.mt the MEPA website. One of the first decisions taken by the Authority, soon aft er it was constituted, was the setting up of a Heritage Advisory Committee. Th e committee involvement in the development control process was gradually increased until by 1997 all applications falling within a UCA or village core boundary were being assessed by it. The committee not only examined the applications before giving its advice, but carried out site-inspections on approximately 30% of the applications referred to it.