The Planning Authority published for public consultation on the Partial Local Plan Review of the current Local Plans, focusing on the responsible commercialisation of sports facilities.
The review seeks to align planning policy with the Commercialisation of Sports Facilities Regulations (S.L. 455.12) by establishing a clear and consistent planning framework that supports appropriate commercial opportunities whilst safeguarding the primary function of sports facilities for sport and recreation.
Proposed Policy Changes Include:
Introducing general policies that would support commercial facilities;
Defining types and scale for commercial development on lands allocated to sports facilities;
Adding safeguarding measures that would guarantee public access and protect heritage, neighbourhood amenity and the environment.
These proposals aim to create opportunities for sustainable development while ensuring that sports facilities continue to deliver long-term benefits to local communities. The revisions would enable sports organisations to introduce compatible commercial, social, and community uses, provided these respect the underlying principles of the review.
The first phase of consultation, which focused on the objectives of the review, generated valuable feedback from the public and key stakeholders. This feedback has been carefully considered in the development of the proposed policy revisions.
Key Objectives of the Review:
Introduce a general planning policy across all local plans to facilitate the aims of the Commercialisation of Sports Facilities Regulations.
Define acceptable types, scales, and forms of commercial development on land allocated for sports facilities.
Incorporate safeguards to protect neighbour amenity, cultural heritage, the natural environment, transport infrastructure.
How to Participate:
The Planning Authority encourages all interested parties to participate in this second phase of public consultation.
The complete document, including proposed policy revisions, is available for review on the Planning Authority’s website: pa.org.mt.
Background:
The need for this review arises from the fact that current local plans, dating back to 1995, 2002, and 2006, place limitations on the commercialisation of sports facilities. This restricts the implementation of the Commercialisation of Sports Facilities Regulations, which were enacted in January 2017 and subsequently amended. The review seeks to introduce a general policy that will prevail in cases where conflicts arise with existing local plan strategies and policies.
