Withdraw 'disgusting' planning law amendments, NGOs tell the PM

An alliance of NGOs has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela to express its "profound disgust" at draft legislation presented by the government in parliament last week to amend the Development Planning Act and the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Act.

The organisations warned that the proposals represent nothing short of a government attempt to dismantle the few remaining safeguards in the environmental and planning sectors, reflecting a wish list from the developers’ lobby.

"It is crystal clear that these proposed laws do not amount to any form of “reform”. Rather, they are tools designed to facilitate a complete takeover of the country by the development lobby," the alliance said.

The organisations reiterated that they have, for years, been requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela to discuss the urgent reforms needed in the planning sector - foremost among these being a reform of the planning appeals process.

"Prime Minister Abela, however, not only ignored these repeated requests for dialogue, but has now gone a step further by drafting new laws that seek to completely dismantle the existing legal structures that ensure a minimum of decency within the planning system," they said.

In their letter to the PM, the organisations condemned the "total lack of transparency in the drafting of these laws," noting that no form of public consultation was ever carried out. They further highlighted the government’s decision to rush through these laws during the summer – a tactic unworthy of a democratic government.

"These are the dangerous signs of a government captured by powerful interests, eroding the very foundation of democracy in our country," they said.

The organisations renewed their urgent appeal for the immediate withdrawal of these "dangerous bills" and warned that the country now stands at a critical crossroads.

"Should the government persist in enforcing these laws, it would spell disaster for Malta and for the future of its children," they said..

 The organisations once again called on the government to launch a transparent and inclusive process for reform in the environment and planning sectors.

They have also urged the public to attend a press conference to be held today, at 6pm in front of parliament.

The statement was signed by Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura, 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.

Another assault on the rule of law - Repubblika

Rule of law group Repubblika in a separate statement said it backed the NGOs opposing the government's Bills.

"The proposed changes are nothing more than another assault on the rule of law, public participation and the common good. These are not reforms. These are tools for impunity drawn up behind closed doors, without consultation with the public and intended to provide cover to those who profit from the destruction of the environment we live in." 

The proposed laws, Repubblika said, denied ordinary people the right to object to destructive developments and restricted the ability of the courts to enforce the law. They gave an unfair advantage to developers involved in illegal development.

"The message is clear. If you break the law and have friends, the government will change the law to give you cover," Repubblika said.

Government moves to strip the public of rights in planning decisions - DLĦ

Environment NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa said the proposed amendments appear to be directly aimed at bypassing  a series of recent court judgements that have upheld planning and environmental safeguards. Specific laws have been carefully modified to ensure that similar future permits - no matter how harmful or objectionable - will avoid the same legal scrutiny.

If the laws passed, the Planning Board will have sweeping powers to approve developments, even those that directly contradict established planning policies. Residents and stakeholders will be practically stripped of their right to effectively appeal such decisions, regardless of the damage they may cause to their communities or the environment," the NGO said. 

"These bills amount to a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Malta and Gozo. They will dismantle hard-won safeguards meant to protect our homes, quality of life, and heritage.  Instead, they will pave the way for unchecked, destructive development, and silence those who have long stood up for a more sustainable and just future."

The NGO urged the people and all concerned stakeholders to stand together and demand that these bills be withdrawn.