Explainer: How proposed planning laws could change the face of Malta

Mark Laurence Zammit explains, in simple terms, two bills and a secret legal notice

Three pieces of planning legislation that could irrevocably change the way Malta looks, feels and functions are on the cards.

Two of those three - Bills 143 and 144 - have been tabled in parliament. The third, a legal notice, remains secret, but its contents were revealed by The Sunday Times of Malta. 

Mark Lawrence Zammit explains the planning reform laws. Editing: Antoine Farrugia Lauri

One of the bills overhauls the appeals process for development applications. The second bill gives the Planning Authority and planning minister new powers. The legal notice will allow illegalities in ODZ to be made legal.

Only the first of those three was expected. 

Much has been said about these laws. Environmentalists say they are a capitulation to big developers. Developers say they are no walkover. Robert Abela says critics haven't yet understood the laws. 

In this video explainer edited by Antoine Farrugia Lauri, assistant editor Mark Laurence Zammit walks you through the plans and asks the one question that will determine how you see these plans: do you trust the Planning Authority to do right by your children?

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