ACT No. X of 1988 AN ACT 10 regu/are the gram offH!rmitJ for the ertc/ion and demolition a/buildings, llnd /0 make other provisions supplementary thereto.

I as~ent.

(L.S.)

P AUl. XUEREB

Acting Presidelll

25th March , 1988

ACT No. X of 1988

AN ACT 10 regu/are the gram offH!rmitJ for the ertc/ion and demolition

a/buildings, llnd /0 make other provisions supplementary thereto.

BE IT ENACTED by the President, by and with the advice and

conse nt of the House of Representatives, in this present Parliament

assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

I. (1) This Act may be cited as the Building Permits

(Temporary Provisions) Act, 1988.

(2) This Act , other than this section, shall come into farce an

such date as the Ministe r may by order in lhe Gazette establish, and

different dates may be so established for differe nt purposes and

provisions of the Act.

(1)

In this Act, unless the context otherwise req uires

"Building Development Area~ and ~ Building Development

have the same meaning as was assigned to them in the

Plan~

Building Development Areas Act, 1983;

"Code" mearn; the Code of Police Laws;

"Committee of the House" means a select committee of the

me mbers of the House of Representatives consisting of five

me mbers, of whom one shall be the Min ister, who shall also be

Chainnan, and four out of six other members appointed by the

Ho use, of whom twoshall be members supporting Ihe Gove rnmenl

and the other Iwo shall be members from the Opposition; the

House shall also appoint a substi tute member for each of the

aforesaid four members, which substitute me mbe r who shall be

appointed from the same side of the House as the membe r for

whom he shall be a Subsli(tJle, shall at tend meetings of the

Committee of the House where the member for whom he is a

substi tute shall be indisposed or for so me olher reason is unable 10

attend;

"Developed Area" means the areas which on the coming

into force of tbis Act had been built up o r otherwise committed 10

building by existing development or by the provision of streets and

other municipal services; and includes also areas which prior 10 the

enactmcllI of the Building Development Areas Act, 1983, were

covered by planning schemes made in aceordance with the Code, or

dcparlmental plann ing schemes and areas in Gozo designated as

development zones; and such areas which after the coming into

force of the said Building Deve lopment Areas Act , 1983, were in

accordance with such Act , declared and approved as Building

Dt'velopment Areas;

~Minister" means the Minister responsible for works;

"Pennit" means a pennit granted or issued for the purposes of

Part I of the Code.

(2)

In this Act, and in Parl i of the Code

(a) Kpcrson" includes a body corporate established by law , a

Government departmen t and any board, committee or olher body

10 which the Minisler may have delegated powers under Part I of

the Code; and

(b) where an offence under or against any provision

contained in tllis Act or in Part J of the Code, is com mitted by a

body corporate establis hed by lawor by a Government department

or by a board, committee or other body as is mentioned in

paragraph (a) of this subsection , every person who , at the time of

the commission of the offence, wasChainnan , manager, secretary,

head or other similar officer of the body corporate or department,

or who wasChainnan or member of any board , comm ittee or other

body as aforesaid, or was purponi ng 10 aCI in such capaci ty, shall be

guilty of that offence unless he proves that he exercised due

diligence to preve nt the commission of the offence or that.

notwithstanding that he acted d iligen tly, the offence was

committed without his knowledge or against his will.

3, (I) Every regulation of the use and development of Land O!ojecti ...

shall have as its objective an optimal physical use and development of oIr<~ulah""

land which respects the environ ment and at the same time eosures that flI <\e .... Iopn>et'I(.

the basic social needs of the communi ty are, as far as is practical,

satisfied.

(2) Every structure o r other development plan must

therefore provide , inler alia , for-

(a) the conservation of agricultural land, of tile valleys, the

coastline and other places of natural beauty, the trees, the fauna

and the physical environment generally;

(b) the conservation of the water table, of other sou rces of

water and other natural resou rces;

the conservation of land and buildings of a historical

(c)

value;

(d) the reclamation of land in rep lacement of agricultural

land allowed to be developed for other purposes;

(e) an improved access 10 the coast and othe r areas of natural

or historical inte rest;

(f) the promotion of home-ownership and for this end a

reasonable provision at low cost of buildi ng areas or sites 10 persons

that cannot afford a high val ue of property ca used by the restriction

on developme nt by the size of the islands and by the need to protect

the natural environment.

tl) Kull rl'golamentaujoni I~' I-m':u u I-itvi lu pp la· I-arl

ghandba jkollha bha l" I·ghan taghha. I-uiu u I-izvilupp fiiik u olt im ali ta·

I-art I; jirrispc n a I-am hjcnl u n-istcss waql ji;l;gura 1IIi ht igiel soCjal; bai:ici

lal -komntunil;\ huma. sa kjn hu prauib bbli. ~odisf;lt1i.

(2) Kull pjan la· Slrul1ur" jew pja n iehor t;,· j:vilupp ghandu

jipprovd i. fos! hwcjjcg ohra_ gha l

(a) il·konscrvaajon; la· arl agrikola. lal -wid;cn, iX·XIUl u

postij ict ohra la' sbuhija nalllrali , is-sigar. il-fawnJ u I-ambjent

fiiiku in gcncrali

(0) iI -konsc[vaujoni tal-l<."alertabie. u sorsi ohra la· i!ma u

rii.orsi nalurali o hm

(t)

il -konservazzjoni la ' arl u bi.ni la' valur slo riku

(d) ir-riklamazzjoni 13' orl minflok dik I-art agrikola I;

lil l1311a li g; t.viluppala ghal skopijicl ohra;

(c) attcss ahjar ghax-xlut u arei ohra la' interess nalurali u

inleres> sloriku

(0 il·promozzjoni w'/rome'Qwnership, u ghal dan il-ghan, it-

provvisla ta' art bl,irhis ghal bini u sili lil pcnuni I; ma ikumlx

jislghu iaslu ghal valur gholllu' pTOprjel~ kawbla mir-restrizzjo ni

ta' I-iivilupp u d-daqs lal-g.icjjer u mi ll -bronn li jigi protel\ 1-

ambic: nl nalurali,

4, ( I) (a) Mhux ak lar lard minn senlc:in wara I-bidu fis-sehh 1')' "'"

la' da n I-artikolu, jc:w rdak il-pcrijodu mgedded li I- Kamra lisI1I' .. "'''"' •.

b'ri~oluzzjoni lil'permcni , il-Minislru ghandu jhejji pjan la '

Slrutt ura ghall, i:!;vitupp ta' I-art rMalla b'implimcntazzjoni la' 1-

ghaniiic:t d c:n tali f1-artikolu 3 la' dan I-All.

(b) !I-Minislru ghandu ;ara li da k il'pjan la' slrullura

jilqieghed fuq il-Mejda lal-Kamra, u I-Kamra ghllmlha

b'riroluzzjoni mdottfl jew tichad dak il -pjan flilllkien ma' dawk it -

I ibdiliel fih li jkun jidhrilha xierqa,

(t) Pjan la' SlrullllTa ji'ila' jigi rcvokat jew emendat

b'riwluzzjoni lal-Kamra tad-Depulati,

(Z) Il -MinistTU ghand u jaghmel survey la ' Malta, li fi h jigu s""",

eWlIlinali dawk il-hwcjjeg li jislghu jolqlu I-itvilupp Jew I-ippjanar Ill' I-

iivilupp taghha u ghandu jinkludi

(a) il-karallt:rist iCi printi pali rlZiCi u ekonomiCi nk lufi 1-

gl'tanijiet p.-intipal i I; ghalihom Iku n qeghda ligl utlilal-arl;

(b) id-daqs.

kompozizzjoni

u distribuzzjoni

tal-popo-

latzjon;

(cl

i!·komuniklU.Zjonijiet, siSlcma la' Irasport , u sislema ta '

toroq;

(d) kull konsiderazzjoni I; ma hijiex imsemmija fxi wieh ed

mi ll·paragrafi la ' qabcl !i lisl;)' tkun mistennija IOlqOl xi hwcjjci g<l

mse.nmija bli almll huma: l-i~vilupp induslrijali, I-agrikoltura, dj ar •

I-edukazzjoni. il-konservazzjoni u I-prescrvaujoni, ir-riiorsi

natu rali, il-mlslrieh, ir-ri krejazzjoni , il-luri Zmu, is-scrvizzi pubbliti

u r-rimi la' l-iskarl ; u

(c) dawk il-llwejjeg l-ohra Ii jislgllu jigu stabbilili mi ll·

MiniSlru.

(3) !I-pjan la ' SI ruUu ra ghandu jkun dokument miklub li ma I'joft.

jtunx marbul ma' sili spetifikali

(a) I; jkun j;fformula I-policy nazzjonali ta' ppjanar u 1-

proposti gene rali dwar I-itvilupp u 1' lI t ll iehor la' I-arl inklu!i

mi lllri ghat-lit jib tu' l-u mbjent fiiiku u t-tmcxxija tat-traffiku ;

(b) li jkun jinlerpreta r·relazzjoni rn' policiu Jlaujonali fd"k

I; hu ppjanar fiiiku u ambjentali safein dawn il-policies

jirrigwarda .... l-illlegrazzjoni tal-poIicus ekonomiti, soCjal; u

ambjental;; u

(t) li jkun fih <!awk il-flwejjeg l-ohra li jislghu jigu stabbiliti

mill-Minisln!.

(4) Fil-formulazzjoni tal-policy u ]-proposti general; sko nd

il-paragrnfu (a) las-suoonikolu (3) la' <!an l-artikolu. il-Minimu ghandu

jassigura li I-po/icy u j-proposti jkunu gustifikati bir-riiulta ti tas-sur>'tJ'

skond is-subanitolu (2) la' dan l-anikolu u b"kull informazzjoni ohra li

huwa jista' jiksch U li jkollha x'taqsam

(a) ma' policies kurrenti dW1lr J-ippjanar ekooomiku

nazzjonal; u otge ltivi ta ' tvilupp nazzionali

(b) ma' rizoni li x'aklal'X ikunu me litiega ghaHweltiq tal·

proposli tal-pjan la' struttura ;

(c) ma' dawk il·hwejjeg l-ohra li jislgI'Iu jigu slabbilili slwnd

il-paragrafu (~) 18S-subal1ikolu (3) la' dan l-al1;kolu.

(5) II -pjan la' slruttura ghandu jkun fih jcw ikun

akkumpanjal minn dawk

id-diagrammi. ilIUSl raujonijiel u

informazzjoni deskriniva li l- Minislru jisla' jikkunsidra xicrqa bil-ghan

li jispj ega jew juri eaT il-proposli fil-pjan , u kull diagramma,

illuSlrazzjoni u informazzjoni deskritt iva ghandha litqies bhala li

taghOlel pani mill-pjan.

(6) Matu l it·tmien ta ' th ejjija tal·pjan ta' slruttura qabel ma

dan jigi SOUomess ghall-adozzjoni \ieghu mlll-KamT3 skond il-paragrafu

(b) tas-subartikol u (I ) la' dan I-arti kolu , il-Ministru ghandu jara li jkun

hcmm partetipazzjoni pubblika billi jipprovdi

(a) illi \i nghala pubblicilll adcgwala li r-rapport tas-sun'ey li

jkun saT skond is-subartiko lu (2) la' dan I-arti kolu u lill-hwejje~ li

jkun propost li jigu nkl uti fil-pjan

(b) ilIi dawk il -persuni li jis\ghu jkunu Olistennija li jixtiequ

jaghmlu kull kumment laghhom lill-Ministru dwar dawk il-hwejjeg

ikunu Olgharrfa li ghandhom I-opport unita li jaghOllu dan; u

(c) illi dawk il-persuni jinghalaw opporlUn it~ adegwa ta li

jaghmlu dawk il -kummcnli; u I- Minislru gha ndu jikkunsidra kull

kummcnl ilIi jsirlu rdak a -m ie n li jiSla' jigi stabbili t Olinnu.

(7) He kk kif il-Mi nistru jkun hcjja pjan ta' slrutt ura. huwa

ghandu jippubblika abbozz ta' dak it-pjan li fih jindika f.-tOlieD H fih pe r-

suna tkun tisla' taghOlel il-kum menti taghha lil u dwar dak I-abbozz.

(8) Kemm jisla ' jkuD Olalajr wara z-zOl ien iOlsemmi fil ·

paragrafu ta']-ahhar ta' qabeldan il-Minislru ghandujhejji abbozz finali

tal-Pjan la' Strullura b'dak il-tibdil li huwa jisla' jqis xieraq wara 1i jik,

kunsidra kul! kumment li seta' jkun sarl u skond is-subartikolu la' qabel

la' dan I-artikol u, sabiex jissolloDlCllih quddiem il-Kamra tad-Deputati

skood is-subanikolu ( I ) la' dan I·artikolu .

(9) <i) Mct. pjan la' stru tturn jkun Sie approval skOfld is- P)o";

suhanikolu ( I ) ta' dan I-artikolu , il -Mini~lru ghandu jhcjji pjani l.<>1<olL

lo kaJi ghHl arc; partikolari ta' Malta .

(ii) II-pjani 10kal; msemmija fiI' p8Tl1grafu (i) la ' dan

is-subanikolu ghandhom ikuou jikkonsi slU rm appa u titsi. miln ub

11 ghandhom

(a) jitvil uppaw il-policies u proposti gencral; lal' pjan la'

slruttura LI jirrelalawhom glllll are; speti fil:i la' an ;

(b) jipproYdu baii dett.ljltla ghal konlrollla' tvil upp;

(~)

jipprovdu baii denaljata ghall-ko-ordinamc lI1 u d-

di r~joni ta' pr~i se w pubbliCi sew privati gI'lall-itvilupp u

utu ichor la' I-aT! ; u

(d ) ikun fihom dawk il -hwejjeg li 1· Ministru jisla' jistab-

bilbexi .

(iii) IJ -pjan lo kal; gha! kuU IIrea ghandu jkun fih . jew

ilmn akkompanjal minD , dawk id·diagrammi, ilhlSlraujooijiet u

infonmuzjoni deskriuiva li I-M; n'stru iista ' iist abbili;ui bil-gI'Ia n li

jispjega iew li juri ta r il -proposl; m-pjan; u kull diagram ma , illus-

traujoni u informazzjoni deskrittiva bbal dik gI'Iandb a lilqie!; bbala

pari; mill -pjan_

Mela jigu formulali l-propoSl; fi pian Ioka l; I-Minis-

(iv)

1nl ghand u jassigura I; I-proposli jkunu b'mod generali jaqblu mal-

pian la ' Sl ruUura kif approvat mill -Ka mra u gli andu iikkunsidra

kull informozzjoni u kuLl konsiderazzjon i ohra li ikunu jidhrulu I;

buma ril cvanli .

(v) ll -pro6edura msemmija lis-su bartikoli (6), (7) u (8)

la' dan l-arl ikolu gliandba Ikun segwi ta mUllllis m uumdis fiHbejjija

u approvaujoni ta' piani lokllli .

(10) Fil-lweuiq lal -fulUjonijiel u I-proted uri msem mija (is-

subarlikoli (4), (6), (8) u (9) w' dan I-arlikolu I-MinistTU gI'Iandu

jikkon'!oUlta mlll -Kumilal tal -Kamra.

(11) Mela ' -p)an la' slrutlura ikun tie appl"Oval , il-Ministru

jisla ' biss jag.liti pennessi I; jkun.u skond i l-printi~j; u l-poI~.~s sta?"ilil;

fit- pjan la' st ruttura u. barra mlll n hekk , meta PJan Iokah Jkun gieap-

provat gbal area parlikolari , iJ-M iniSlru jista' biss jagliti permessi ghad-

demolizzjoni u Ilugb la' bini f"dilr.l -area , skond d~k il-pjan Iokal i_

(1) (a) Not later than two years after the coming into force

of this seel;on, o r within such extended period as the H ouse may by

resolution allow, the Minister shall prepare a structure plan for the

development of land in Malta in imple men!ation of the objectives

set out in section 3 of this Act.

(b) The Minister shall cause such structure plan to be

laid on the Table of the House, and the House shall by resolution

adopt or reject such plan or adQpt such plan subject tQ such

modifications as it may deem fit.

(c) A structure plan may be revQked Qr ame nded by a

resolution of the House of Representatives.

(2) The Minister shall institute a survey QfMalta, examining

the matters likely tQ affect the development or the planning of its

development and shall include

(a) the principal physical and economic characteristics

including the principal purposes for which the land is used;

(b)

the size, composition and distribution of the populatiQn;

(c)

the CQmmunicatiQns, transport system and road network;

(d) any considerations not mentioned in any Qfthe fQregQing

paragraphs which may be expected \1,1 affect any matters so

mentioned such as: industrial development, agriculture, housing ,

education, conservation and preservation, natural resources,

leisure, recreation, tourism, public services and waste disposal; and

(e)

such other matters as may be cslablished by the Minister.

(3) The structure plan shall be a written statement not being

site-specific

(a) formulating the national planning policy and general

proposals in respect of the develQpment and other use of land

including measures fQr the improvement Qf the physical

environment and the management of traffic;

(b) interpreting the relationship o f national policies in tenus

of physical and environmental planning in so far as these policies

concern the integration of the economic. social and environmental

policies; and

(c) containing such other matters as may be established by

the Minister.

(4) In formulating the policy and general proposals under Rc:...,...d

paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this seelion, the Minister sh all secure juslifiaho..,.

tbat the policy and proposals are justified by the results o f the survey

under subsection (2) oftbis section and by any other information which

he may obtain and shall have regard

(a) to current policies with respect to the national economic

planning and developmen t objectives;

(b) to the resources likely to be available for the carryingout

of the proposals of the structure plan;

(c) to ~uch other matters as may be established unde r

paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of this section.

(5) The structure plan shall contain or be accompanied by

such diagrams, ill ustrations and descriptive matter as the Minister

considers appropriate for the pufJXJM' of explaining o r illustrating the

proposals In the plan, and any such diagrams , illustrations and

descri ptive maller shall be treated as fonning part of the plan,

(6) In the course of preparation of the structure plan before

submission for adoption by the House in accordance with paragraph (b)

of subsection (1) o f this section, the Minister shall take such steps to

afford public participation by providing

(a) that adequate publicity is given tothe report ofthe survcy

carried out under subsection (2) of this section and to the matters

which it is proposed to include in the pla n;

(b) Ihat persons who may be expected to desire an opportu-

nity of ma king represenlations to the Minister with respect of those

matters are made aware that they are entitled to the Opportunity of

doing so; and

(c) that such persons are give n an adequate opportunity of

makiog such represeotatioos; aod the Minister shall conside r any

representations made within such period as may be established by

him.

(7) As soon as the Minister shall have prepared a structure

plao, he shall puhlish a draft copy of such plao indicatiog thercio the

time within which any person may ma ke representations to him in rela-

tion to the draft.

(8) As soon as may be after the period referred to in the last

pre<:eding paragraph the Ministershall prepare a final draft of the Struc-

ture Plan with such alte rations as he may dee m fit afte r considering any

representations that may have beeo made in accordance with the

foregoiog subsections of this section, for submission to the House of

Representatives io accordance with subsection (1) of this sectio n.

(9) (i) Wlfere a structure plan has been approved in accor-

dance with subsection (I) of this section, the Minister shall prepare

local plans for particular areas of Malta.

(ii) The local plans refe rred to in paragraph (il of this

subsection shall consisl of a map and a written statement and shall

(a) develop the policies and general proposals of the

structure plan and retalc Ihem to precise areas of land;

(b)

provide a detailed basis for development control;

(c) provide a detailed basis for co-ordinating and direct-

ing both public and private proposals for thcdevelopment and

other use of land; and

(d) oonta ill such matters as may be established by the

Minister.

(iii) The local plan for any area shall contain, or be ac-

companied by, such diagrams, illustm{ions and descriptive matter

as the Minister may e5tablish for the purpose of explaining or illus-

trating the proposals in the plan; and any such diagrams. illustra-

tions and descriptive malter shaH be treated as forming pan of the

plan.

(Iv) In formulating th e proposals in a local plan the

Minister shall set:ll re that the proposals conform generally to t he

structure plan as approved by the H ouse and shall have regard to

any information and any other considerations which appear to him

to be relevant.

(v) The procedure laid down in subsections (6), (7) and

(8) of t hi s section shaH mutatis mulalldis, be followed in the prepa-

ration and approval of the local plans.

(10) In carrying out the functions and procedures set out in

subsections (4), (6) , (8) and (9) of this section t he Minister shall consult

the Committee of the House.

(11) Where the structure plan has been approved the Minis-

ter may only grant permits in accordance with the principles and policies

laid down in the structure plan, and moreove r, where a local plan has

been approved for a particu lar area. the Minister m ay only gra nt per-

mits for the demolition or erection of buildings in that area, in accor-

dance with such local plan.

S. (I) Until such time as a local plan has been approved for a

panicu lar area being part of a developed area, the Min ister may make

planning sche mes (herei nafter in th is section referred to as a seheme) in

relation to th at area in accordance with subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Where the Minister intends to make a scheme or to make

an amendment to a scheme, he shaH

(a) before approvin g such a scheme or am endment , pre pare

Planning Scheme Proposal (hereinafter referred to as a " proposal")

which shall include such plans, wningconditio ns and such descrip-

tive matte r as may be necessary to shOW how such scheme or

amendment will be;

(b) as soon as may be after the preparation of the proposal

lay a copy thereof on the Table of the House and thereupon cause

another copy to be deposited at the office of the Department of

Works, and such copy shall be open for publjc inspection for a

period of 30 days. The Director of Works shall ca use a notice 10 be

published in the Gazette and in at least two daily newspapers. indi·

eating the days and hOUTS, on and during which the proposal shall

be open to public inspecti on;

(c) allow a period of alleast 30 days from the date on which

the proposal was first open to public inspection, during which

period the proposal shall be considered by the Commitlee of the

House and any person or body of persons may submit

representatiollS in writing to the Minister whe rein shall be stated

any reason why the intended scheme or am endment should not be

approved or should be approved subject to amendments;

(d) as soon as may be after the period referred to in the last

preceding paragraph has elapsed , and in any case not later than the

first sitting of the House after the lapse of a fu rther period of one

week lay the views o f the Committee of the House and a copy o f all

representations so received on the Table of the House;

(e) afte r complying with the provisions of the immediately

preceding paragraph, withdraw o r approve the scheme as proposed

in the proposal or subject to any modifications as may have been

suggested by the Committee of the House orin any representations

made in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection and

publish the approved scheme in the Gazette

Provided that the Mimster shaH not approve a scheme unless

the scheme shall have first been considered and approved by the

Committee of the House

Provided further that where the Minister intends to approve a

scheme subject 10 any modifications as may have been suggested as

aforesaid. and such modifications are of a nature as to alter

substantially Ihe scope of the original proposal , the Mi nister shall

before approving such scheme incorporate such modifications in a

new proposal and the provisions of this section shall thereupon

apply thereto.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) hereof.

the Minister may witho ut reference to any other authority. makeadjust-

ments to the alignment of build ings and streets in a scheme, provided

that such adjustments do not affect the zoning conditions thereof.

(4) In the case o f the erection or demolition of huildings in a Permits /Of Ibe

developed area other than an area for which a local plan has been e=tionof

approved the Minister may only grant permi ts

(a) where ascheme has been approved in relation 10 the land Ore".

on which the building is 10 be erected or demolished , in accordance

with such scheme; and

(b) where 00 scheme has been so approved, in accordance

with a policy made for Ihe pu rpose by lbe Minister and approved by

the Committee of the House.

(5) In thecase of the erection or demolition orbuildingsout -

side a developed area other tha n an area for which a local plan has been

approved the Minister may only grant permits

(a) in accordance with a policy made for the purpose by the

Minister and approved by the Committee of the House and

published in the Gazelle; or

(b) where the grant of such permit is authorised by special re-

solution of the House.

(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsei:tions (4) and (5)

o f this section the Minister may after consulting the Committee of the

House authorise the erection of

(a) buildings to be built on plots of land acquired from the

Housing Authority;

(b) buildings for the specific construction of which land has

been transferred to any pe rson by the Government.

(7) Without prejudice to any OIher power unde r thi s or any

other law, the Minister may before considering whether to grant a

permit in accordance with this Act, order the applicant to cause such

publicity to be given to his application as the Minister may deem

necessary so that the public may be aware of the application and may

have the opportunity to make representations thereon.

(8) For the purposes ofthis section the expression Mapproved

by the Committee of the House" means approved by a decision of thal

Committee supported by the votC5 of not less than four of its me mbers;

and failing such an approval , the $aid expression means approved by a

resolution of the House of Representa tives

Provided Ihat whe re the House so approves, no further

approval by any other authority shall be requi red.

(I ) Sa dak it-tm ien li jkun tic approval pjan lo kal; ghal area !I·M;n""" jislo'

partikolari Ii Ikun laghmcl parli minn area tvi luppata , il-Min istru jisla' j'~,!",I. proi<";

jaghme l progc tti ta' pj an i regulal uri (hawnhe kk itjed ';1 quddiem im- ~'::'ri.

se mmija bbala progell ) dwar dik '-area stood iH ubanikolu (2) ta' da n

I-artikolu.

(2) Mela l-Ministru jkollu hsieb I; jagllmel progett Jew li

jaghmel eme nda gbal progeU, huwa ghandu

( a) qabel ma japprova prORett blial dak Jew eme nda, ihejji

Proposla ta' Progett la' Pjan Regulatur (hawnhek.k itjed 'il quddicm

imsej ha M

proposta") li g1Iand ha tinkludi dawk il -pjant; ,

kundizzjonijiet dwar ioni 11 dak it-taghrif deskrittiv ichor li jista'

jkun mebtieg biex juri kif dan il-progett jew emenda ser ikunu;

(b) kemm jista' jkun malaj r wara t-tl'lejjija tal-proposta

jqiegtied kopja taghha fuq il-Mejda taJ· Kamra u minnufih jiehu

hsieb biex kopja ohra tilqieghed n·ufficcju tad-Di partimcnt tax -

Xoghlijiet. u dik il-kopja Ikun miftuha gha! spezzjooi pubblika ghat

iruicn ta' 30 jum. Id-Direnur tax-Xoghlijict ghandu jiehu hsieb li

jigi ppubblikat avvii fil -Gazzcua u fmhux inqas minn :i:ewg gazzclti

ta' kuljum , fej n juri I-gr~nel u I-hinijict, li fihom u matulhom iJ -

proposta gbandha tkun miftuha ghall-ispezzjoni pubblika

(c) jaghti imicn ta' mhuJ[ inqas minn30 jum mid·data li fi ha 1·

proposta kienet ghall-ewwel darba miftul'la ghaH-ispezzjoni

pubblika, matul liema imien il-proiX'Sta ghandha tigi kunsidrata

mill-Kumitat tal- Kamra u kull persuna jew korp ta' persuni

jistgtlu jissottomettu kun kumment taghhom bil-m iktub liH-

Ministru li fihom tinghata kull raguni ghaliex il-progettjewemenda

mahsubin ma ghandhomx ikunu approvati jew ghandhom ikunu

approvat; wara li jkUllU emendati;

(d) kemm jista' jkun malajr wara li z-im ien imsemmi fl-

ahliar paragrafu ta' qabel dan ikun skada, u fkull ka~ mllu:.: aktar

tard mill-ewwel seduta tal-Kamra wara lijghaddi perijodu ichor ta'

gimgl'la, iqieghcd il-veduti tal-Kumitat tal-Kamra u kopja tal-

kummenti kollha li jkun hekk ircicva fuq iJ-Mejda tal-Kamra;

(e) wara li ikun osserva I-provvedimenti tal,paragrafu li jigi

minnufih qabel dan, jirtira jew japprova I-progett kif introdott fil-

proposta jew kif mibdul skond kif seta' gie suggerit mill-Kumitat

tal-Kamra jew fxi kummenti maghmula skond il-paragrafu (c) ta'

dan is--subartikol u, u jippubblika I-progett approvat fiJ-Gazzetta;

Itda I-Ministru ma ghandux japprova progett jekk dak iI-

progett ma jkunx gie qabel ik konsidrat u approvat mill -Kumit at tal -

Kamra

ltda wkoll meta I-Mini stru jkollu l-hsieb li japprova progett

kif mibdul hekk kif seta' gie suggent kif imsemmi qabel, u

dawn il-bidliet huma ta' sura li jibdlu sostanzjalment I-iskop tal-

proposta originali, il-Ministru ghandu qabel ma japprova progeu

bhal dak jinkorpora dawk il-bidlict fi proposta gdida u d-

dispoZizzjonijict ta- dan I-artikolu ghandhom jappli kaw ghal dan.

(3) Minkejja d-dispoiizzjonijiet tas-subartikolu (2) ta' dan I-

artikolu , il-Min istru jista' minghajr ma jirrderi !il xi awtorit;) ohra,

jaghmeltibdil fil-linja ta' bini u ta' !oroq fi progctt , sakcmm dak it-tibdil

ma jkullX jeffcttwa I-kundizzjonijiet dwar ioni tieghu,

(4) Fil-kai tat-tlugh jew demolizzjoni ta' bini farea

iviluppata 1i ma IkullX area li jkun gie approval gl'laliha pian lokali, il-

Min istru jista' biss jaghti permess;

(a) fcjn progctt ikun gic approvat ghar-rigward ta' I-art 1i

fuqha ikun se r jittclla' jew jig; demoli! bini, skond dak il-progett; u

(b)

rejn ebda progel! ma jkun hckk gie approvat, skond

policy magl'lmula glial dak il-ghan mi ll-Mi nislTU U approv81l mill -

Kumi tal tal·Kamra.

(S) Fit· kat 18t-ll ugh jew demolizzjoni ta ' bini ' I balTll minn.... "

area tyiluppata li ma tkunx area li ghaliha jkun tie approval pjan Iokali ~- .

'-Ministru jista' jaghti biss permessi

ore; ono __

skond policy maghmula ghal dan il -ghan mill-Min islTU U ~ .

(a)

approvala mill-KumilallaJ-Kamra u ppUbblikat8 fiI-0aueua ; jcw

(b) meta I-gl'loli la' dak il-penncss ikun aWlorizzal

b'rifoluzzjoni spetjali tal-Kamra.

(6)

Minkejja d-dispoilizjonij iet tas-subanikoli (4) u (5) ta'

don I-artikolu '-Mini sl ru jista' wara I; jikkonsulta lill· Kumitat tal- Kamra

jawtorizza 1i jitlella ';

(a)

bini li ghandu jinbena fuq bicciet ta' an akkwiSlati

minghand J-Awtoritii lad-Djar

(b) bini li ghall-kostruzzjoni spei:ifaka tiegl'm Ikun &iel

trasferita arllilx; pcrsuna mill-Gvem.

(7) 81a hsara ghal kull sclgha ohra lalil din il-ligi jew li ligi

obra , il -MiniSlru jisla' qabel ma jikkunsidra jelr.k ghandul jaghli

permC5& skond din il -ligi. jordna IiI min ilr.un applilr.a sabiu jaghli dilr. H_

pllbblit ilil lill-a ppl ikaujoni licghll b·dalr. il-mod 1i I-Minislru jisla ' iqis

netessarju sabie)( il-pubblilr.u jkun jista' jsir jaf bl-applikaujoni u jklln

jisla' jkollll l-opponllnilA Ii jaghmel kull kummcnl dwarba.

(8) Ghall·finijict la' dan l-anikolu l-espres.sjoni ~approvala

mill- KlImitaltal- Kamra~ lfisser approvala b'dctiijoni la ' dak il-kllmitat

appoggala mill-VIlli la' mhux anqu minn erbgha mill-membri licghu; 11

fejn rna Jlr.unx hemm dik I-approvaujoni , dik l-espressjom tfisscr

approvala b'ritnluzzjoni tal- Ka rnra lad-Deputali

Itda meta I-Kam ra hekk lirTitolvi, ma jkuI\l{ hernm htiega la'

ebda aWloritA obra .

(I) Where, in implementation of the provisions of subsect ion

(2) of section 3 of this Act, a strueture plan made and approved as

provided in section 4 of this Act , or a planning scheme made and

approved as provided in section 5 of this Act , has made provision for

areas of land al low cost for the promotion of home.()wnership (being

areas which do not include a building site as defined by the Land

Acquisition (Public Purposes) Ordinance), and such planning scheme,

or in the cast o f a structure plan , one or more local plans, also approved

as aforesaid , have indicated such areas (hereinafter refe rred to as

"home.()wnership areas"), giving the necessary de tails for the

identification of the land to which they relate, the followingsuhscctions

of this section shall apply with respect to such home-ownership areas.

(2) With effect from the dale of the approval of the relevant

loCal plan or planning scheme, as the case may be-

(a) all lan d indicated therein as home-ownership areas shall ,

by virtue of this Act and without the need of any further act or

fonnallty, bedeemed, for all intents and purposes of law, to be land

acquired for a public purpose by absolute purchase in full

ownership, free and unencumbered from any charge, hypothec or

privilege, under the provisions of the Ordinance aforesaid. and

shall so vest in theGovemme nt: and thereupon all the provisionsof

the said O rdinance which are not incompatible with this Act shall

apply to such la nd in the same manne r and under the same

conditions as if the land had been acquired for a public purpose by

absolute purchase under the said Ordinance;

(b) all leases to which the land ma~ be subject before such

date shall, notwithstanding the provisioIl ~ of the Agricultural

Leases (Reletting) Act, 1967, orofanyotherlaw , be te rminated by Act No. XVI

virtue of this Act and without an~ further act or fonnality required 011%7

by law; and thereupon the provisions of the said Ordinance shall

apply with respei:t to such leases and to the payment of

compensation in respect thereof.

(3) Any person having an interest in or a right over the land

to which this subsection applies shall have access to the Land

Arbitration Board estab lished by the said Ordinance and to the Civil

Court, First Hall for the purpose of determining his right over or interest

in the land and the amount of any compensat ion to which he may be

entitled and for the purpose of obtaining paymen t of that compensation;

and all the provisions of law relating to proceedings before the said

Board or Court in matters of acquisition of land for a public I?urpose

shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to proceedings taken by such person

under this Act; and the said Land Arbitration Board and Civil Court

shall have jurisdiction in such matters.

(4) Any person as is referred to in subsectio n (3) of this

section shall furthermore have a right of appeal from any decision of the

Land Arbitration Board or the Civil Court First Hall to the Court of

Appeal; and the provisions of law relati ng to proceedings for an appeal

from decisions of the Civil Court. First Hall to the Court of Appeal shall

apply to an appeal made under thi s section; and the Court of Appeal

shall have jurisdiction in such matters.

(5) In the determination of any compensation payable in

respect of an~ land compulsori ly acquired under this section, the Land

Arbitration Board, the Civil Court and the Court of Appeal shall take

into account the factors and circumstances. and shall follow the criteria,

set out hereunder in the national interest, th at is to say

(i) the regulation of land use and land development,

though intended for other purposes, inevitably raises the value

of the land on which deve lopment is allowed beyond the value

it would otherwise have , and such additional value is to benefit

the com mun ity as a whole;

(ii) social justice demands Ihat land be availab le for

home-ownef$h ip also 10 families with lim ited means and

therefore at low C051;

(iii) the land to be earmarked for such a purpose is by

this Act requi red to be selected so as to cause the least burden

on the owncrs, compat ibly with the requirements of proper

planning;

(IV) the compensation payable is, therefore, to be

limi ted to the va lue ofltlc land according to its current use, or

as nearly thereto as is fair in the circumstances of the case and

in the light of the considerations aforesaid;

(v) the compensation shall in no case be affected by

anything done or happening after the land has vested in the

Government or after it is public knowl edge th at the land may

so veSI; and slIch public knowledge shall be presumed if a draft

copy of a structure plan or of a local plan. or a Planning

Schcme Proposal, contain ing provisio n for land as is

mentioned in subsection (I) of this section . has been published

under this Act.

(6) Nor later than three months after land has vesred in the

Government under the provisions of this section, the Commissioner of

Land shall cause the acquisition of such land to be registered in the Land

Registry, and for the purposes of the Land Registration Act , 1981. all

land so vested shall be deemed to be an area declared as a registration

area; and as soon as may be thereafter the Commissioner of Land shall

serve on every person known to him to have an interest in or right over

the said land an official letter indicating the land in quest ion and

infonning him of his rights unde r this Acl.

(7) The right to receive compensation for an acquisition

made by virtue of this seaio n (hereinafter referred to as "Compensation

Rights") shall for all purposes of law, be deemed to be an immovable

right by reason of the object to which it refers and shall be transferable

accord ing to law at the option o f the owner from time of slIch

Compensation Ri ghts.

(8) Any charge, hypothec or privilege which prior to the

acquisition made in virtu e uflhis section. 3t1ached to any land included

in a home owne~hip area. shall con tinue to attach to the Compensation

Rights referable to such land , with the sa me rank ing and priority as they

attached to the land.

Without prejudice to any other power under this or any other

law, the Minister may in granting a pennit for the demolit ion of any

huilding. impose such conditions as he may dcem fit in relation to the

erection o f any hoarding or other structure around the site whe re the

works are \0 be carried ou t, to ensure that inconvenience to third parties

and any possib le hazard is kep t to a minimum.

(1)

Wi thout prejudice to the Antiqu iti es Protection Act and

to the provisions of any othe r law relating to the protection of

historical , cultura l and nmural heritage of Malt a, the Minister shall as

soon as may be after the coming into force of this Act. declare any area

in Malta to be a Preservation and Conservation Area.

(2) The procedure laid down in subsection (2) of section 5

shall be followed for the approval of Preservat ion II l1d Co lIscrvation

(3) Preservation and Conservat ion Areas shall be declared

and approved in relation \0

(a) precisely delineated areas considered to form part of

Malta's cultural heritage wh ich are ide ntified for protection as

having outstanding value from the poin t of view of history, a rt or

science induding

(i) monuments ~ being architectural wo rks. work s of

monumental sculpt ure. elements or structures of an

archaeological nature. caves and combinations of features;

(ii) groups of build ings - being groups of separate or

connected buildings. singula r buil dings o r their immediate

surroundings;

(i.i) sites - being works of man or the combined works

of nature and of man and areas including archaeological sites;

(b) precisely delineated areas considered to fonn part of

Malta's natural heritage which are identified for protection as

having outstanding value from the point of view of aesthetics,

scie nce, conservallon or natu ral beauty including

(i) natural features - including physical and biological

formations or groups of such formations;

(ii) geological and physiographical formations -

constituting the habitat of threatened species of animals and

plants;

(iii)

Ilatural sites;

(c)

in relation to areas of intense agricultural activity;

(d) in relation to areas iden tified for protection as having

outstanding value by virtue of their vemacular, rural or modem

type of architecture and development or by vi rtue of their historic ,

cultural and architectural interest.

(4) Wh ere an area has been declared a Preservation and

Conservation area

(i) under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) the Minister shall

only authorise building operations necessary forthe protection and

conservation of existing build ings and structures;

(ii) under paragraph (b) of subsection (3) the Minister shall

only authorise building operations necessary for the enhancement,

maintenance and scient ific studies of the areas;

(ii;)

under paragraph (c) of subsection (3) the Minister sllall

only authorise building operations directly ronllcctcd wi t l!

agriculture; and

(iv) under paragraph (d) of subsection (3) the Minister shall

only authorise building operations which are in keeping will! the

existing environmental character.

(5) The provisions of subsection (7) of sect ion 5 of this Act

shall mUlalis trill/ant/is apply to applications for permits under Ihis

section.

(1) Notwithsta nding the provisions of sccI;o n 17 of the Code

and without prejudice \0 the provisions of the Antiquities Protection

Act, where it appea rs 10 the Minister that any person has done or has

caused or allowed to be done anything for the doing of which a perm!! is

required under subsection (I) of section 16 of the Code, when there is

not sueh a perm it, or that any person is not complying or ensu ring

compl iance with theoondi tions imposed in the pennit, the Minister may

cause to be served on such person an Enforcement Order ordering

such person nO! to continue doing or causing or allowing to be done the

thing for the doing of which a permit is required under the said

subsection . or to ensure compliance with the conditions imposed in the

perm it; a nd any person who does not obey such an Enforcement Order

served upon him as aforesaid. sh all be guilty of an offe nce agai nst this

Act and shall in addition to any liability incurred under any other law. be

liable on co nviction to a fine (mld/ll) of o ne thousand !iri.

(2) The fine referred to in subsection (I) of thi s section shall

be recoverable as acivil debt and mall be declared by the competent COIJrt in

passing Judgement as bei ng so owed and payable to th e Department of

Works and shall be executable in the same court pronouncing

judgement in the same manner as if it Ilad bee n given in a civil action

duly insti tuted between Ihe Department of Works and the convicted

person.

( I)

The Building Development Areas Act, 1983. is hereby

repealed .

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of su~etioll (I) of this

section. the provisions of the Building Development Areas Act 1983,

shall co nti nue to be operative

(i) in relation to th e amendment or revocation of a

declaralion made by the Minister and adopted by the House in

accordance wi th section 3 of that Act, prior tothe coming into force

of this Act;

(ii) in relation to the payment of compensation that may be

due to any pe rson having a right over or an inlerest in any land to

wllich section 5 of th at Act applied;

(iil) in relation to the registration of any land in a Building

Deve lopment Area. at the Land Regisu)'

(iv) in relation 10 any permi t forthe erection of any building.

grallled in accordance with th e provisions of that Act. prior to Ihe

coming into force of this Act: and

(v) in relation to any offence commitled ag"inst the

provisions of that Act , and any liability incurred thereby. prior to

the coming into force of this Act.

11 . The Code shall be amended as follows

Amendm<fi'

IO''''Coo._

(I) In subsection (I) of section 16 thercof. for the words "or

erect any huil ding" there shall be substituted the word, "or to carry

OUl excavations or demolish or e rect any building";

(2)

In section 17 thereof

(a) for the words "fifty li ri and not more than onc

hundred liri" in subsection (2) thereof, there shall be

substituted the words "fifty tiri a nd not more than onc

thousa nd liri";

(b) for the words "fifty liri" in subsection (3) thereof

there shall be substituted the words "one thousand liri"

(c) subsection (7) thereof shall be renumbered as

subsection (9);

(d) immediately after subsection (6) the reof there shall

be added the following new subsections

"(7) Where a person is charged with an offence

undcr this section and in any appeal from a conviction

under thi s section the court shall appoint the case for

hea ring with urgency ,

(8) Any fine referred to in this section shall be

deemed a civil debt and shall be declared by the

competent court in passing judgement as being so owed

and pay .. ble to the Departme nt of Work s and shall be

exec utable in the same cou rt pronou ncing judgement in

the same ma nner as if it had Ix;en given in a civil action

duly institu ted be tween the Department of Works and the

convicted person. "; and

(c) in subsection (9) thereof as renumbered . after the

words "of this section" there shall be inser,ed the words "even

where Ihe person cha rged is acquilted of the charge and the

court is satisfied thal th e building to which the charge refcr>

has been erected in contravention of this seclion",

(3) Immediately after section 17thereof there shall be "dded

the followi ng SCdions

17 A. In addit ion to the penalties referred to in section

17 of this Code. the court shall order the forfeiture in favour

of

the Governmen t of uny right pertaining to the offender in

.,< <"'<led or over the immovable property in relation to which the of-

,own,,,,· fence wa s committed.

B'Zieda mal-pieni mscmmija f)-artikolu 17 ta' dan il-

KodiCi, il-qorti ghandha tordna I-konfiska fal1llr il-Gvem ta'

xi drill li I-hati jkollu fi jew fuq proprjet!l immobbli Ji dwarha

jkun sar iT- reat.

178, Mela mi n ikun akkui.at taht J-artikolu 17 ta' dan

il-Kodi i:i malli jibdew il-proeeduri jew qabel majibdew dawk

jI-proeeduri jipprova li hu s-sid ta'l-art li dwarha jkun saT ir-

reat li jikkonsisti fi dugh ta' bini jew li mod iehor ghandu d-

drill li jiddisponi minn dik I-an u jiddikjara Ii ma kienx jafbit-

twettiq tar-reat u jawtorizza lid-Dipartiment tax-Xoghlijiet

biex jiddemolixxi kuH bini li jkun inbena minghaj r permcss

Jew mhul[ skond il-kondiujonijiet imposti fil-perrness, iJ-

qorti ma g1iandhiex tindaga dwar i1-veratitA la' dill: id-

dikjarazzjoni, u dak is-sid g1iandu jinheles minn kull

responsabbiltA taht ]-3"ikoli 17 u 17A ta' dan il-KodiCi, u ma'

dan id-Dipartiment tax-Xoghlijiet ikun aw\orizzst

jiddemolixxi dall: il-bini , u gliandu jweltaq dik id-

demolizzjoni. ".

12. lekk jingliat3 Jew jinhareg penness hi ksur ta' xi wahda mid- Reali koolnl

dispotiujonijiet ta' dan I-At!, min ikun qieghed jaghtijewjohrogdan il- "". I-An.

permess ikun hati ta' reat kontra dan I-At! u jehe! meta jinstab hati

multa ta ' mhux iijed minn elf lira Maltija u meta jinstab hati I-tie ni dama

Jew wara J-piena la' prigunerija glial tmien mhux iijed minn sena Jew dik

il-multa u prigunerija f1imkien.

13. Kull perrness moghti qabel il-bidu fis-sehh ta' dan I-All u li R.itefYa.

jkulI ghadu fis-sehh minnufih qabel il-bidu fis-sehh ta' dan I-Alt, gl'landu

minkejja kulll'laga li tinsab fdan I-An, jibqa' fis-sehb wara I-bidu fis-

sel'lh ta' dan l-Att, u ghandujkunjista' jiggedded ujkomplijkun regolat

b'dawk il-ligijiet li kienu fis-sehl'l qabel iJ-hidu fis-sehl'l la' dan I-A tt .

14. Matul dak ii-zmien li fih dan I-Altjibqa' fis-selib

Tran';torj • .

(a) is-setgl'la lal-Ministru li jaghmel progelli skond I-artikolu

3 tal-Koditi hija sospiia; u

(b) il-polcr tal-Min istru 1i jirrivedi d-detii:jonij iet tal-

Planning Arca PermilS Board tal'll regolamenti magl'lmula bis-

sal'll'la ta 'l-artikolu 19 lal-KodiCi , ghandu jigi ciertilat mill-Kumitat

lal-Kamro .

Mgboddi mill-Kamra tad-Depulali fis-Seduta Nru . 8S tat-23 ta' Manu , 1988.

j[MMY FARRUGlA

Speaker

p • M USCAT TERRIBll.E

A~tII Skrivan la/· Kamra lad·fHpulan.

Wh ere any person charged under section 17 of

this Code on the com mencement of the pTO<.,eedings Or before

the commencement of such proceedings proves that he is the

ow nn of the land in relation to wh,ch the offence consist in g in

the erection of a building was committed or otherwise has the

right to dispose of such land and declares that he had no

knowledge of the comm ission of th e offence and authorises

the Department of Works to demolish any structure built

without a permit or not in compliance with the conditions

imposed in the perm it, the court shall not enquire inlO the

truth of such declaration, and such owner shall be freed from

any liability under sections 17 and 17A of Ihis Code, and

thereupon the Department of Works shall be authorised to

demolish such building, and shall carry out such

demoli tion. ~.

12. If a permit is granted or issued in contravention of any of the

provisions of this Act. Ihe person granting or issuing such permit shall be

guilty of an offence against this Act and shall be liable o n conviction to a

fine (mU/la) not exceeding one Ihousand liri and in the case of a second

or subsequent conviction to imprisonment for a tenn not exceeding une

year or to both such fine and imprisonment.

13. Any pennit granted before the coming into force o f this Act

and stil! in force immediately before the coming into force of this Act,

shall notwi thstanding anything contained in this Act, remain in force

after the coming inlo force of this ACI and may be renewed and cont inue

to be governed by such laws as we re in force prior to the coming into

force of this Act.

D uring such lime as this Act remains in force

14. (a ) the power ofthe Ministerto make schemes in accordance

with section 3 of the Code is suspended; and

(b) the power of the Minister to review the decisions of the

Planning Area Permits Board under regulations made in virtue of

section 19 of the Code shall be exercised by tbe Committee of the

H ouse.

Passed by the House of Representativesat Sitting No. 85 of the 23rd March, 1988.

JIMMY FA .... UGIA

Spe(1k~T

P . M USCAT TERRtBtLE

Acting Clerk to the House of Represcntatives.

tppl4hblik<ll ",jd - Dip'lI"Iim'~1 ",' /.tnfo" ""uj<mi - Kasti1j<l

""bUsh.d by dtt lkp,m",,,,' of infomwtUm _ iCaJlilja

Milbugll O·Tstomperija tal·(h~m - Prin~d 41 lit. Go....,"''''.nl Printing /'nss