Campaign Against Planning Reform bill To ‘Tour’ Around Malta

A national campaign opposing the government’s proposed planning reform bills will be touring towns and villages across Malta and Gozo in the coming months to inform the public about the changes being put forward.

The initiative forms part of the Ġustizzja għal Artna campaign, led by Moviment Graffitti and supported by several NGOs.

The tour, titled Tour Ġustizzja għal Artna, will begin on Sunday 30 November at 9.30am in Birżebbuġa Parish Square, in collaboration with the Birżebbuġa History and Culture Association.

Organisers said the aim is to explain the content of draft bills 143 and 144, which were tabled in Parliament in July and propose various amendments to Malta’s planning laws.

According to the campaign, the bills and accompanying legal notices would introduce significant changes to how planning decisions are made, including adjustments to appeal procedures and the responsibilities of the Planning Authority.

The group said it wants to ensure the public is aware of the reforms and their possible implications.

The organisers have called for the withdrawal of the proposals and for a wider consultation process, arguing that planning reform should reflect the interests of local communities.

Government has said the bills aim to modernise and streamline existing processes, though detailed discussions have yet to take place publicly.

The upcoming tour follows earlier demonstrations, including a march in Valletta and a protest outside Parliament. NGOs supporting the campaign include BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta and Għawdix.

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