Labour-linked Pulse pushes for public consultation on planning reform
Student organisation says it wants citizens to have a say in decision-making
Labour-affiliated student organisation Pulse has joined calls for planning law changes to be opened to public consultation.
Pulse said that while it was important to update existing laws and policies, “some of the proposed measures could limit public involvement in decisions that shape Malta’s towns and villages.”
“We believe that effective planning should be built around people and communities. It's essential that citizens are given the opportunity to understand and contribute to decisions that impact their daily lives and shared spaces,” it said in a statement.
The government has faced broad pushback from across civil society over plans it quietly presented to parliament last week to overhaul planning regulations.
Two bills were tabled in parliament – one concerning planning appeals and the other focused on empowering the Planning Authority, with The Sunday Times of Malta also revealing separate plans to allow illegalities in ODZ areas to be sanctioned.
PA boss Johann Buttigieg told reporters the plans were kept secret to discourage land speculation. But Prime Minister Robert Abela, in the face of public anger, subsequently pledged “consultation” about the proposals.
Pulse said it backed the plan to pause construction projects while appeal processes were ongoing, but wanted to see broader public engagement and communication from the government.
Apart from calling for the changes to be opened to public consultation, the student organisation said it also wanted the government to communicate legal changes in “clear and accessible language, helping citizens understand both the benefits and implications.”
“We all share the goal of creating a better Malta,” Pulse said. “Planning laws that are transparent, inclusive, and community-focused will help ensure that development reflects not only economic progress but also the values and aspirations of the people.”