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NGOS UNITE OUTSIDE CASTILLE TO PUSH FOR STRICTER ENFORCEMENT AND PLANNING SYSTEM OVERHAUL

NGOS UNITE OUTSIDE CASTILLE TO PUSH FOR STRICTER ENFORCEMENT AND PLANNING SYSTEM OVERHAUL
Local

A coalition of environmental and civil society organisations gathered outside Castille in Valletta today, calling for what they described as “real reform” in Malta’s planning system as part of the ongoing campaign Justice for Our Land: The Reforms We Need.

During a press conference, the groups presented four key proposals aimed at addressing what they say are serious weaknesses in the current planning and enforcement framework.

The first proposal calls for the automatic suspension of construction works while appeals are ongoing before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) and the courts, arguing that the current system allows developments to continue even when contested, sometimes resulting in buildings later being declared illegal.

Secondly, the coalition is pushing for stronger enforcement measures requiring the physical removal of illegal developments within set timeframes, with full cost recovery from those responsible. They also called for greater public participation in enforcement processes and clearer mechanisms to ensure penalties are paid.

The third proposal seeks a ban on the sanctioning of illegal developments in Outside Development Zones (ODZ), particularly structures built after 2008 that do not qualify as minor amendments.

Finally, the groups are demanding a reclassification of previously de-zoned agricultural, natural, and historic land back into ODZ protection status, provided these areas have not been formally committed to development through approved applications.

The organisations involved include BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti, and several other environmental and cultural heritage groups.

They warned that Malta is facing increasing pressure from unchecked development and stressed that planning reform is urgently needed to protect quality of life and the islands’ long-term future, insisting: “Justice for our land.”

#MaltaDaily