Introduction to the Gozo & Comino Local Plan

Introduction to the Gozo & Comino Local Plan

What is a Local Plan? A Local Plan is a land use document with written text (policies and justifications) and maps; Reconciles local needs with strategic considerations; Identifies opportunities for development and provides guidance and constraints for new development; Identifies also opportunities for social and environmental improvements;

The Local Plan s Vision is to increase employment opportunities on the Island whilst ensuring that the landscape character is not compromised. The Strategy The strategy for the Gozo & Comino local plan is based on the principles of sustainable development, that is, promoting development whilst ensuring that the natural and cultural capital of the islands is safeguarded for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Aims To ensure that enough land is available for the future spatial development requirements. To continue to safeguard and enhance the unique cultural and natural characteristics that render Gozo and Comino so desirable to inhabit and visit. To encourage development which: creates economic development; Improves the quality of life and the environment; is compatible with planning policy; is compatible with surrounding activities; is efficient on land-use; does not constitute over-development; does not overload the road network and parking capacities; does not detract or endanger cultural or natural heritage; and does not negatively impact its surroundings.

Function of the Plan The local plan follows the Structure Plan, and indicates how principles, policies and standards will be applied to the local scale and guides development and other use of land. The Local Plan is an enabling plan which aims: - To safeguard environmental resources; - To provide a detailed basis for development control; - To provide a basis for promoting and coordinating appropriate Development;

Policy Themes Settlement Policies Housing Transport Social & Community Facilities Utilities & Services Commerce & Industry Tourism & Recreation Agriculture Urban & Cultural Conservation Rural Conservation 14 Chapters of Area Policies

Inception Report The Local Plan draws on detail and strategic guidance provided through the Inception Report for the Gozo and Comino Local Plan. The Inception Report examined various topic areas relevant to the Local Plan, such as the Landscape Study.

The Landscape Assessment Study Main Goal : To analyse the visual components of the dynamic Maltese landscape and the most significant changes that occurred between 1990-2000 with a view to formulate an integrated strategic planning policy.

Methodology Desk Studies Site Survey and Verification Comparative Analyses Identification of Landscape Character Areas Development of Landscape Assessment Model Designation and Policy

Maltese Landscape Character Low Hills Highly seasonal Sea visible from many areas Significant inland water bodies absent Strong lighting conditions Greenery very limited Limestone colours predominate Anthropological Influence omnipresent

Human Influence Long Presence High Population Density Intensive cultivation Urban Sprawl and infrastructural development Introduction of alien Species Increased mechanization and mobility Littering, dereliction, lack of attention to detail, lack of maintenance Pollution

Landscape Model Public Perception

Comino Tower Landscape with steeper slopes and varied topography scored highly. The converse also applies. San Blas Beach Proximity to the coast confirmed as important. The highest scores were obtained for relatively un-spoilt coastal rural areas with sloping terrain Marsalforn Valley System Valleys received mostly high and very high scores, confirming the weighted attributed in the model algorithm Citadella Fortified Structures were generally accorded high or very high scores but this also depended on their proximity to detracting

LANDSCAPE MODEL RESULTS Landscape with steeper slopes and varied topography scored highly. The converse also applies Proximity to the coast confirmed as important. The highest scores were obtained for relatively un-spoilt coastal rural areas with sloping terrain and commanding extensive viewsheds Valleys received mostly high and very high scores, confirming the weighted attributed in the model algorithm Fortified Structures were generally accorded high or very high scores but this also depended on their proximity to detracting features Urban settlements were generally accorded a neutral value as the juxtaposition of enhancing and detracting features tended to cancel each other out Industrial areas, quarries and landfills in general received low scores although nearby scenery tended to elevate the score

Landscape Sensitivity Model 1000m Grid 500m Grid 50m GRID

General Policy Maps

Area Policy Maps

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