Development Planning Act (Cap. 552), article 7

7. (1) The Authority shall be the principal means whereby the Government shall implement its duties under this Act. (2) The functions of the Authority shall be the following: Cap. 504. (a) to perform and succeed in the functions which were previously assigned to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority under the provisions of the Environment and Development Planning Act and are now contained in this Act and to perform and succeed in the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority established under the provisions of the Environment and Development Planning Act to the extent that the 8 [CAP. 552. DEVELOPMENT PLANNING Minister may prescribe by regulations under this Act; (b) the functions of the Executive Council and the Planning Board listed under articles 38 and 64; (c) to facilitate and coordinate the permit granting process for projects of common interest; Cap. 513 (d) Repealed by Act XXI.2022 .2. (e) the performance of any other functions as may from time to time be assigned to it by the Minister, including the functions required to give effect to any international obligation entered into by Malta relative to matters regulated by this Act. (3) The Authority may also exercise all powers of control over development as may from time to time be delegated to it in writ ing by the Minister on behalf of any department or agency of Government. (4) It shall be the Minister’s function to ensure that the Executive Council is fully informed of Government’s strategic directions relative to development planning, and to monitor the proper execution of such policies. (5) The Authority shall execute its duties, functions and responsibilities in accordance with Government’s strategic directions relating to development planning. (6) In the pursuance of its functions under this Act, the Authority shall, as far as possible, make reference to European Union best practices and standards. (7) In the pursuance of its functions under this Act, the Authority shall regulate its own procedure. (8) The Authority shall also ensure that it keeps an audit trail of all its files, including all documentation and reports: Provided that files, documentations and reports may be digitised and the Authority may after digitisation dispose of h ard copies of files, documentations and reports after a period of t wenty (20) years from date of submission to the Authority or to any o ther previous entity carrying out the same functions. PART IV Common Provisions Delegation of power.