‘People, not just developers, should be heard’ - PL president
Alex Sciberras says reform of the planning system should be an 'inclusive process', in apparent tacit criticism of government
Labour Party president Alex Sciberras said reform of the planning system “must be an inclusive process”, in what appears to be tacit criticism of the government's decision to table legal changes without public consultation.
Yesterday, on the eve of parliament's summer break, the Labour government tabled two bills proposing major revisions to planning law.
The nature of the proposals and the timing of the new bills sparked widespread anger. Critics called the plans "a developer’s wish list” and a "return to the Lorry Sant years", and criticised the government for not consulting the public first.
Describing the PL as “always at its best when it was a movement that listened, acted and delivered fair reforms”, Sciberras said: "Therefore, even in this planning law reform, let us remain true to what makes us the best version of ourselves."
“There is no doubt that planning laws need to be reformed; as things stand, various injustices have been created that we should not be afraid to address. But this must be an inclusive process,” he said.
“People, not just developers, should be heard and have a full voice in this process.”
Stressing the permits would impact “our villages, our environment, and the face of our country that gives us our identity”, the PL president said the party could deliver reform “but also with a sense of justice and respect”.
“Let's be that movement that not only delivers reforms quickly, but seriously. Because those who have trusted us for so many years deserve nothing less.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela, Planning Minister Clint Camilleri, Construction Reform Minister Jonathan Attard and Environment Minister Miriam Dalli have yet to comment publicly on the proposals.
In a statement earlier Saturday, the Opposition said the government had “once again chosen to bypass the democratic process and act in secrecy, when what is needed is an open and transparent approach”.
It called on the government to stop the bills from going forward and instead launch an open consultation process.
A Times of Malta analysis of the plans shows the proposals will place limitations on appeals and take power away from the courts in favour of the Environmental and Planning Review Tribunal.
The Planning Authority, meanwhile, will be handed fresh powers to override established policies such as local plans and the Planning Minister will be granted new powers to revive expired permits.
The proposals also revise the definition of "illegal works," shifting the cut-off date from 1967 to 1978 – effectively sanctioning works undertaken up to the end of 1977.