A Landmark Reform in the Planning Sector
One of the most transformative elements of the Labour Government’s planning reform package is the overhaul of the appeals system — a long-awaited change that delivers justice, transparency, and modernity.
Separation of Powers: No More Conflicts of Interest
The new planning reform Bills (No. 143 and 144) introduce a much-needed separation between those who make planning decisions and those who review them. By restructuring the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal and reinforcing its independence, the Government is ensuring that appeals are assessed fairly, free from political interference or administrative bias.
A System That Puts People First
This change is about protecting the citizen. For too long, residents, NGOs, and even professionals felt that appealing a planning decision was a futile or opaque process.
That ends now.
Professional, Impartial, and Timely
The reforms will professionalise the tribunal, ensure that members are qualified and impartial, and introduce strict timeframes to avoid endless delays that benefit only powerful applicants.
Good Governance Is a Human Right
This isn’t just good governance — it’s a human right. Every person affected by a planning decision deserves a fair hearing and a system that works in a timely and just manner.
Restoring Trust, Strengthening Communities
Labour’s planning reform is not just about permits and policies — it’s about restoring public faith in the rule of law and delivering justice where it’s needed most: in the heart of our communities.
3 Comments
Tell us about these please?
Illegal developments, including in ODZ, may receive a concession, upon paying a ‘hefty’ fine
• Illegal developments built before 1994 eligible for full regularisation
• Owners of illegal developments have four years to apply
• Some temporary structures will no longer need permits
• Properties built before 1978 to automatically become legal
PL President Alex Sciberras says it right.
He is right. A true socialist.
1. Safeguarding the right to appeal without excessive limitations that scare regular people off participating in the process.
This appears to be a response to the government’s proposal that appeals against permits should only be based on a point of law that had already been raised during the initial objection period.
2. The authorities must publicly justify any decisions that deviate from existing policies.
This appears to be a response to the proposal that gives planning authorities flexibility to deviate from policies based on spatial, architectural, or contextual considerations.
3. Enhanced regulation of the proposed rationalisation of illegal properties so as to protect green spaces, avoid speculation, and prioritise social and communitarian needs
4. Launch a national planning charter, as part of Malta’s Vision 2050, drafted with the help of the public and experts, to guide future development with clear principles of sustainability, affordability and dignity.
The outrage expressed by several key individuals, including Labour commentators and sympathisers, makes it clear that these proposed bills should be withdrawn with immediate effect. We did not vote Labour to give a generous present to developers! Dear PM, do the right thing and withdraw this so-called reform and open a wider consultative process.