Major concerns have been raised by ADPD and Momentum in reaction to two proposed planning law reforms set to be discussed in Parliament. Both parties claim the legislative changes, tabled by the government shortly before the summer recess, undermine public participation, weaken environmental safeguards, and give unprecedented leeway to powerful developers.
Deputy Chairperson of ADPD, Carmel Cacopardo, described the reforms as “a step backwards,” stating they would make it harder for civil society to follow or challenge large-scale development proposals. He warned of reduced timeframes for appeals and the removal of environmental considerations from Planning Authority assessments, leading to what he called a “lack of certainty” in policy application. Cacopardo accused the government of turning the Planning Authority into a mere “permit factory,” leaving communities exposed to speculative development.
Chairperson Sandra Gauci further criticised both the Labour government and the Opposition for enabling what she termed the “legalisation of abuse” along the coast. Referring to a development along the Qawra shoreline, she highlighted a case where illegal construction was regularised with a €2 million fine payable in instalments and an annual rent of €138,000. She pointed to this as a case of “giving a finger and losing a hand,” as developers push for further expansion.
ADPD also noted the Planning Authority’s failure to update traffic studies used to justify developments, accusing it of ignoring realities on the ground. Secretary General Ralph Cassar denounced the cumulative loss of coastal access due to lidos and piecemeal developments that chip away at public space, especially in densely populated areas like St Paul’s Bay.
Meanwhile, Momentum echoed these concerns, condemning the reforms as a direct assault on democracy and environmental protection. The party criticised proposed changes that allow the Planning Authority to disregard its own policies and enable development in outside development zones (ODZ) without permits, provided structures are not street-visible. It also flagged the removal of court oversight over planning permits and the introduction of fines for so-called “vexatious” appeals, calling the move “intimidation of objectors.”
Momentum Chair Arnold Cassola accused the government of rushing reforms without consultation and prioritising developer interests over citizens’ rights and the country’s natural heritage. He warned that the changes would further entrench overdevelopment and environmental degradation, labelling them “dangerous” and “short-sighted.”
Environmentalists and NGOs have also condemned what they describe as the worst planning bill in history, warning that it will cause immense damage to the environment. NGO representatives also stated that the government didn’t even conduct any consultation with them on the bills and instead opted to appease the interests of the construction lobby.
Echoing this outrage, a coalition of NGOs led by Moviment Graffitti sent an open letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, expressing “profound disgust” at what they called a wish list drafted for developers. The letter condemned the lack of consultation and warned that the government’s draft legislation represents an intentional dismantling of the few environmental and planning safeguards still in place. The NGOs also criticised the government’s decision to push the bills during the summer, accusing it of bypassing democratic standards and ignoring repeated civil society requests for meaningful dialogue on planning reform. A protest press conference is scheduled for this evening, Monday 28th July at 6 p.m. in front of Parliament.
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