Students For Liberty Malta has called on the Maltese Government and Parliament to carefully consider the concerns raised by citizens, NGOs, and activists regarding the planning reform Bills.
“We acknowledge the arguments that the reforms will make Malta’s planning system more efficient, predictable, and responsive, and in theory these are all beneficial. Apart from that, it is good that the deadline for planning appeals will go back to 30 days,” the group said in a statement.
However, the proposal comes with some serious issues, it said. “The bills will still greatly limit the appeals process against planning decisions, making it harder for citizens to challenge approvals that affect their property. They also allow illegal developments to be regularised through high fees, risking that property rights become privileges for powerful developers rather than protections for all.””
“The legislation grants broad discretion to the Minister and the Planning Board at the expense of local planning laws, while reducing the courts’ powers to review or revoke approvals. This concentration of authority can and will politicise decision-making, diminish oversight, and increase the influence of powerful interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
It also raised corruption and accountability concerns. “Certain small, easily removable structures in Outside Development Zones (ODZ) would no longer require full permits. Furthermore, enforcement is only strengthened for illegal developments built after 1978, leaving gray areas where rule-breaking could still be rewarded, normalising abuse and undermining trust in the planning system and public institutions.”
“Therefore, Students For Liberty Malta supports the call for careful review to Bills 143 and 144.”
“We emphasize that any reforms to Malta’s planning system must be accountable, transparent, and protect the rights of all citizens, ensuring that property rights and rule of law are upheld for everyone, not just the powerful.”