Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538322
8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 AUGUST 2025 OPINION/NEWS Col. Mark Mallia A planning reform based on consultation Head of Secretariat to the Prime Minister of Malta IN the past weeks, the planning reform took centre stage as the government presented two bills in the House of Representatives. However, these pro- posals will continue to be improved through a consultation process within parliament and with the people. This proposed reform was met with strong feedback and a healthy public debate. We explained how submis- sions made will help shape the deci- sion-making process for this necessary yet delicate reform. Two and a half years ago, Prime Min- ister Robert Abela had underlined the need to strengthen people's right to appeal against a development permit. Work on the reform started in earnest, but in the spirit of doing things right, the reform took the time required to be shaped. To this effect, the government was criticised that it was taking far too long to implement the reform. The prime minister explained that the gov- ernment was taking its time to ensure that a wider, efficient reform to address years of injustice would eventually be implemented. Fast forward to today, the current proposed reform is based on clear pa- rameters—more discipline, clarity, and certainty in the planning sector. A reform that employs unprecedent- ed vigour against abuse, and a stronger emphasis on sustainable development. With a draft in hand, we can now move forward. The discussion in par- liament—the country's highest institu- tion—will continue after the summer break. Parliamentarians shall discuss the proposals and draw their conclu- sions. But before that, the government shall also invite the public to give its ideas and proposals in what shall be a four-week public consultation process. This process shall be coordinated by a working group specifically focused on this reform and led by my office. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg and ministers Owen Bonnici, Clint Camill- eri, Miriam Dalli, and Jonathan Attard will all be part of the group. We will be joined by the head of the public service, Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana, and Cabinet Secretary Ryan Spagnol. Planning Authority Chief Ex- ecutive Johann Buttigieg will attend the meetings as an observer. This working group will not only ex- amine and analyse submissions but will also meet with key stakeholders during the open public consultation period. The public consultation will also en- compass two draft legal notices which address the situation of those individu- als who committed irregularities in the past. These individuals shall be asked to pay what's due as fair compensation to the country. Not every application will be accept- ed as this is not an automatic right. The Planning Authority will assess the ap- plications against a set of criteria with a specific focus on whether the illegality caused harm to others. Anyone can participate in this public consultation until Sunday, 7 Septem- ber 2025, by visiting the konsultazzjoni. gov.mt site. We are open to ideas and suggestions. There are no red lines. There are, how- ever, points of principle to which we hold firmly, including that construc- tion work does not start if an appeal is lodged on the approved permit; that fines against abuses will be stronger than ever; past irregularities shall be addressed and those responsible will have to carry the costs. Funds raised from penalties on these illegalities shall be invested in environ- mental and public projects for the ben- efit of the community at large. With this reform, the country will start a new page in planning–one which celebrates good practice and penalises those who disrespect public order and our environment. This will be a strong message in fa- vour of sensible and responsible plan- ning that gives peace of mind and tran- quillity to the people. A coalition of 10 environmental and civic organisations has renewed its demand for Prime Minister Robert Abela to immediately withdraw two planning bills tabled in parliament. The coalition said the proposed laws would dismantle critical safe- guards and hand excessive power to developers. In a joint statement, the NGOs ac- cused the government of attempt- ing to rush through legislation "dis- guised as a much-needed reform of the planning appeals process" that would seriously undermine the public's right to appeal and devas- tate the environment and quality of life. The coalition is made up of: Azz- joni: Tuna Artna Lura, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għawdix, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust – FEE Mal- ta, Ramblers Association, and Wirt Għawdex. While the government has post- poned debate on the bills until af- ter the summer recess following a surge of public opposition, the or- ganisations stressed that "the threat remains very real" since the legisla- tion has not been withdrawn. The NGOs called for a genuine consultation process through the publication of a White Paper, as previously promised, and urged the government to proceed only with the specific amendment enabling the suspension of works during planning appeals, but without any provisions that weaken appellants' rights. "If these dangerous bills are not withdrawn, the organisations will escalate their campaign to stop what is effectively a developers' coup," the statement read. Mem- bers of the public were urged to prepare for "the fight ahead". Not every application [to regularise illegal development] will be accepted as this is not an automatic right. The Planning Authority will assess the applications against a set of criteria with a specific focus on whether the illegality caused harm to others. Environmental groups will escalate campaign if planning bills not withdrawn