Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545062
31 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MAY 2026 NEWS Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar present policy framework to address planning concerns Document proposes more than 50 legally binding commitments and aims to address noise pollution and update the national transport network FLIMKIEN għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) and a group of residents unveiled a policy framework de- signed to reform the planning sector as Malta is in midst of an election campaign. The document presented to the media during an event outside Auberge de Castille on Saturday, proposes more than 50 legally binding commitments and aims to address noise pollution and update the national transport net- work. The NGO insisted that such reforms are necessary to address the impact of commercial devel- opment on towns and the envi- ronment, as they urged political candidates to endorse these meas- ures. The framework includes pro- posals for greater accountability within the Planning Authority, a requirement to stop construction while planning appeals are being decided, and increased protection for ODZ areas. FAA also suggests establishing national noise limits and prioritising public transport over road widening projects. Dur- ing the conference, speakers from various localities detailed specific concerns regarding current gov- ernance and development trends. During the press conference, a Marsaskala resident expressed concern over the lack of transpar- ency and consultation regarding a proposed ferry project in the locality. Similarly, in St Paul's Bay, Qaw- ra, and Buġibba, local councillor and ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci highlighted the commercial use of the foreshore, noting that new structures are being built on beaches and blocking public views from the promenade. Issues in Valletta were also raised, as resident and Momen- tum candidate Billy McBee re- ported that commercial activity, including the placement of ta- bles and chairs in public areas, is affecting residential access and emergency vehicle routes in the capital. Concerns regarding in- frastructure and the environment were further detailed by repre- sentatives from other regions. FAA coordinator Astrid Vella spoke of the proposed private li- do on the Sliema Strand, noting its location within the UNESCO Valletta Buffer Zone and potential impacts on marine ecosystems and local services. In Swieqi, res- idents questioned the planned construction of a new pedestrian bridge and the removal of trees near schools. Joseph Farrugia spoke on behalf of residents in Attard and nearby localities affected by noise from Ta' Qali. He said that Attard was once a quiet area, but some resi- dents are now leaving their homes to sleep elsewhere when events are held. FAA encouraged the public to review the full list of proposals online and to seek commitments from electoral candidates regard- ing these issues. The proposals included en- dorsements by: Momentum candidates Billy McBee, Arnold Cassola, Mark Camilleri Gambin and Pierre Schembri Wismayer; ADPD candidates Sandra Gauci, Brian Decelis, Carmel Cacopar- do, Mario Mallia, Mark Zerafa, Melissa Bagley and Luke Caruana; PN candidates Albert Buttigieg, Anton Mifsud and Luke Said; PL candidates Lorna Borg Vassallo and Tania Borg. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Protest against the planning reform proposed by the government in the last legislature and which was stopped after widespread protests. The FAA has now issued a policy framework proposing a reform that addresses the planning sector, noise pollution, the transport network and other environmental issues. The organisation is asking election candidates to endorse the policy framework. (File photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) ELECTION 2026