Scrap proposed planning reform, restart process with a White Paper - NGOs

Nine NGOs have called for the proposed planning reform to be completely scrapped and replaced by a new process starting with a White Paper as Momentum accused the Planning Authority of lack of transparency in the drafting of Bills 143 and 144.

In a joint statement led by Moviment Graffiti, the NGOs called for the bills to be “withdrawn in full” and replaced by a genuine reform process starting with a White Paper.

The statement was signed by BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għawdix, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust – FEE, Malta Ramblers Association, and Wirt Għawdex.

They urged the public to “make their voices heard” by submitting their objections to the proposed planning reforms by September 7 using the online form.

The NGOs pointed out the legislative package “dismantles planning safeguards, obstructs appeals against PA decisions, and rewards illegalities”.

They also slammed the consultation process as a “sham” saying the two bills were drafted in secret and “devised in bad faith to satisfy developers at the expense of citizens’ rights”.

Momentum chairperson Arnold Cassola denounced the Planning Authority’s refusal to answer his Freedom of Information request accusing it of “dodging questions” about meetings held in the drafting phase of Bills 143 and 144.

Cassola had asked who the PA had met when drafting Bills 143 and 144, including the date, time, duration and minutes of meetings with stakeholders.

“The PA refused to reveal the identity of the persons consulted. What is being hidden? Were these meetings just cosy insider sessions to give developers an advantage and allow them to speculate?” Cassola asked.

He added that the PA has also refused to disclose the identity of consultants and advisors who contributed to these bills, claiming that “no terms of reference existed for their engagement”.

He alleged that “taxpayers are footing the bills for unnamed advisors to draft laws that will damage the environment”.

“There is justification for this secrecy,” Cassola said.