Environmental organisations hold press conference in front of Auberge de Castille against planning reforms

Environmental organisations, including the Ramblers Association, Din L-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għall-Ambjent Aħjar and Moviment Graffitti, gathered today in front of the Auberge de Castille to hold a press conference about the government’s planned planning reforms, which the organisations have described as the most corrupt in history.

The coalition of organisations gathered under the banner Ġustizzja Għall-Artna. Thousands of people protested these reforms last year in multiple demonstrations in Valletta and towns across Malta.

Representatives of the organisations stated that thousands heeded their call last year in opposing these reforms, yet the government is overriding public sentiment as it insists on pushing them forward. Representatives also warned that the proposed planning reform will regularise many illegal developments in ODZ areas. They also stated that this reform was intended to please large developers, who are already being appeased with lax enforcement.

The coalition has also formally submitted its proposals to the government and these include:

1. Re-classification into ODZ the agricultural and environmental areas struck off from ODZ borders in 2006.
2. Binding rules for the removal of illegal constructions.
3. All works should be suspended pending an appeal: a promise made by the Prime Minister that was never delivered.
4. Constructions built in ODZ after 2008 should not be legalised.

You can view the press conference here.

Mark Camilleri

Website Editor
Historian and Publisher