Panel hosted by Momentum decries planning reforms as an ‘assault on public rights’
Momentum has released a critical 30-minute panel discussion dissecting the proposed planning reform bills, which panelists have labelled an “assault on legal certainty, environmental protection, and public participation.” The discussion warns that the reforms, tabled hastily before the summer recess, threaten to permanently damage Malta’s landscape and strip citizens of their fundamental right to object.
Hosted by scientist Jake Xuereb, the conversation features Lawyer Claire Bonello, Perit James Cutajar, and Momentum’s General Secretary, Mark Camilleri Gambin. They provide a detailed analysis of the implications of the proposed legal amendments.
The full 30-minute discussion, “Malta’s ‘revolting’ planning reforms,” is available for public viewing on Facebook https://fb.watch/BuyZp_yg5m/ and Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUd_KAbBnK4
The panel identifies several alarming aspects, including:
- The reforms introduce the threat of “non-appealable fines” against citizens who appeal planning decisions, effectively weaponizing the process against objectors. Furthermore, the proposals aim to strip the courts of their power to revoke illegally granted permits.
- The new rules would grant the Planning Authority unprecedented discretion to ignore its own established policies, creating legal loopholes that could be used to sanction illegalities, including permit-free waste dumping.
- A particularly concerning proposal would permit “demountable structures” and other enclosures in ODZ without the need for a permit, a move the panel warns will cause irreversible destruction of Malta’s remaining natural spaces.
“This is a calculated dismantling of environmental protection and public accountability,” said Mark Camilleri Gambin, General Secretary of Momentum. “We produced this discussion to arm the public with knowledge, as understanding the threat is the first step to effectively opposing it.”
While detailing the dangers, the panel also explores a vision for a planning system that serves communities over narrow development interests. The discussion concludes by outlining how a fair, transparent, and sustainable planning framework for Malta can be achieved.
Momentum is urging all citizens concerned about the future of Malta to watch the discussion to better understand the gravity of the proposed changes.The full 30-minute discussion, “Malta’s ‘revolting’ planning reforms,” is available for public viewing on Facebook https://fb.watch/BuyZp_yg5m/ and Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUd_KAbBnK4
There is hope, you can help!
Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!
