The Nationalist Party expects a full revision of the Local Plan concerning the Villa Rosa area, rather than individual or piecemeal changes, it said in a statement.

"This revision must be based on serious and transparent planning. Any amendments to Local Plans must genuinely safeguard the environment and the quality of life of residents," the statement, signed by PN MPs Stanley Zammit and Rebekah Borg, read.

"During the second phase of the public consultation on the proposed changes to the North Harbour Local Plan specifically affecting the Villa Rosa site in St Julian's, the PN expressed its opposition to the partial changes being put forward by the Labour Government."

Under the Government's proposal, the density in this area is expected to increase to around three times the current level, with buildings rising up to 39 storeys in height, the PN said. "All this is being proposed without a comprehensive analysis of the existing infrastructure or of the long-term impacts such changes could bring."

"The way this process is being handled raises serious concerns about the future of planning in Malta, and about whether the process is truly serving the public interest. Planning must always be based on a consistent national strategy, not a case-by-case approach to accommodate specific sites or individual projects."

"In the sitting of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Development Planning, representatives of the Planning Authority confirmed that under the 2006 Local Plan, the Villa Rosa site had a maximum height limit of between six and seven storeys. However, in 2014, the Labour Government introduced a new policy that, in certain cases like this, allows for unlimited height. For many years, the Planning Authority applied this Labour Government policy. However, various court decisions in recent years have confirmed that Local Plans must take precedence over other policies when evaluating applications," the PN said.

Instead of reviewing or withdrawing the 2014 policy that led to this situation, the Government has opted to change a specific part of the Local Plan, the PN said. "Decisions like these not only dismantle any notion of coherent planning but also give the impression that policies are changed on a case-by-case basis, rather than being based on the public interest."

"These piecemeal changes are being proposed within the framework of an outdated planning system and without an updated Strategic Plan for Environment and Development (SPED). Moreover, this is all taking place in the absence of the studies that should guide developments of this scale, including: A Carrying Capacity Study to evaluate the level and type of development the area can accommodate; Infrastructure studies related to drainage, water, electricity, and traffic; A Social Impact Assessment; A cumulative assessment of visual and environmental impacts on beaches, ecology, national heritage, and local ecosystems; A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), which is mandatory under Legal Notice 497/2010 and EU Directive 2001/42/EC, especially when proposed changes could have significant environmental impacts."

The PN said it remains in favour of quality development that is sustainable, based on serious studies, clear planning, and genuine public consultation. "At present, we are witnessing fragmented planning, case by case, change after change, without any national direction and without a proper planning framework."

The PN called for this process to be withdrawn, and instead for a comprehensive and holistic review of the Local Plan to be launched. "This must be based on a national vision, an updated SPED, and all necessary studies."

"Planning policy must not be driven by individual projects but should prioritise the public interest. It must be grounded in good governance principles that place the citizen at the heart of decision-making, including through transparent and open public consultation, allowing communities to have a say in decisions that impact their environment. Malta deserves serious and coherent planning, not piecemeal changes that create confusion and erode trust in the process."

The PN said it remains committed to "proposing a modern, transparent, and consistent planning policy that places community well-being and environmental protection at the centre of all decisions."