The Nationalist Party has accused the government of making it easier for uncontrolled development in Outside Development Zones with a new legal notice.

“The Labour Government wants people to believe it cares about the environment, but the facts tell a different story. While it delivers eloquent speeches, its actions allow for greater environmental abuse and leave our natural surroundings unprotected,” the party said in a statement on Monday.

“The latest amendments being proposed are yet another example of this: rather than strengthening environmental protection, they are doing the opposite by opening the door to uncontrolled development,” it added.

The PN said that it has always demonstrated its commitment to a better environment for all through its proposals and initiatives.

It added that this is why it has submitted its position as part of the public consultation process: “to express concerns about the Government’s attempt to obscure the truth and reduce transparency in planning procedures.”

The environment belongs to everyone, and we must ensure it is properly protected, the PN said.

“The proposed Legal Notice would allow government agencies, among others, to use a less transparent mechanism than a full planning permit to develop ODZ (Outside Development Zone) areas and other sites, with reduced scrutiny over projects. This means that citizens and environmental organisations, among others, would be unable to actively oppose developments that could harm the environment, as the DNO (Development Notification Order) procedure does not permit objections or appeals from third parties,” the PN highlighted.

“Furthermore, this amendment removes safeguards provided by relevant provisions in the Rural Policy & Design Guidance of 2014 and other applicable plans and policies. This means that restrictions and limitations on development could be bypassed under the guise of so-called ‘greening projects’,” the party added.

The PN noted that it is also concerning that these amendments grant Project Green unchecked authorisation to carry out developments without any form of oversight or accountability.

“This further confirms that Project Green is merely a front for the Government’s environmental propaganda, while in reality, its actual contribution to environmental protection remains minimal. An agency established to carry out environmental work is, in fact, doing the exact opposite by seeking to evade mechanisms designed to ensure environmental responsibility,” the PN said.

As the Opposition, the PN submitted its formal position as part of the public consultation on this Legal Notice, saying that this is because it believes that the Government should not be exempt from the same high standards it imposes on the private sector.

The planning system and its impact on our environment are issues that affect everyone equally, regardless of the entity behind a given project, the party said.

“Therefore, if the Government truly believes in sustainable development, it should be the first to uphold the highest standards rather than seeking ways to manipulate planning mechanisms for its own convenience,” the PN concluded.

The statement was signed by PN MPs Rebekah Borg, who is Shadow Minister for the Environment, and Stanley Zammit, who is the Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands.

ODZ will not be developed but further transformed into gardens, PL says

The latest criticism from the Opposition is yet another example of how the Nationalist Party (PN) continues to oppose projects that enhance the environment and improve the quality of life, the PL said. "The Government is working to provide more green spaces, while the PN, as usual, attempts to distort the truth and create fear."

"With the proposed amendments, we are ensuring that green projects and the creation of green spaces are implemented with less bureaucracy and more efficiency for the benefit of the general public. The PN prefers to hinder this work, as it does not want the Government to address what people want and need," the PL said.