Momentum Calls For Overhaul Of Malta’s Planning System

Momentum has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at reforming Malta’s planning system, warning that recent legislative proposals would further weaken environmental and community protections.

The party said Bills 143 and 144, currently before Parliament, would hand excessive powers to the Minister and the Planning Authority, while limiting appeals and regularising illegal developments, including in Outside Development Zones (ODZ) and Urban Conservation Areas.

Momentum pledged to oppose the bills and instead push for a White Paper followed by broad public consultation on planning reform.

The party also proposed the introduction of a comprehensive national planning strategy to address the cumulative impact of construction on infrastructure, traffic, quality of life, and the environment.

Among its key proposals, Momentum is calling for mandatory parliamentary oversight and public consultation before major projects are approved, arguing that communities are too often excluded from decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.

Matthew Agius, the Party’s candidate in the 2nd and 8th districts, said: “For too long, planning in Malta has meant one thing: developers get what they want, and everyone else gets the noise, the dust, and the damage. Bills 143 and 144 would have made this even worse. Momentum is demanding a complete reset of how planning decisions are made in this country.”

#MaltaDaily