The Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development has welcomed the Government's proposed reform of the Planning Appeals Procedure, while calling for more effective enforcement and greater accountability, transparency and independence across Malta's regulatory authorities and decision-making bodies.

The Commission, in a statement Wednesday, described the proposals as a long-awaited step towards a fairer and more credible planning system but stressed that they must form part of a wider planning reform. This should include stronger protection for Malta's natural and cultural heritage, better safeguards for construction workers and neighbouring residents, and planning policies that consistently prioritise the common good and the wellbeing of communities affected by the cumulative impacts of relentless development. 

For many years, residents, civil society organisations and local communities have flagged a fundamental flaw in Malta's planning system. Although third parties have the legal right to appeal planning decisions, development has often been allowed to continue while appeals were still pending. By the time the courts reached a decision, construction had frequently advanced substantially or even been completed, leaving objectors facing an unacceptable fait accompli and undermining the effectiveness of the appeals process.

Mark Cachia, Executive Chairperson of the Commission, said: "The proposal to suspend development works while an appeal is pending, together with measures to ensure that appeals are heard within clear and expedited timeframes, strikes a more appropriate balance between safeguarding the right to an effective appeal and providing greater certainty for permit holders. This is an essential step towards restoring fairness and justice within Malta's planning regime."

He added that the changes should help prevent the planning process from favouring those with the greatest financial resources or capacity to build quickly, while strengthening the position of residents, communities and civil society, whose voices deserve to be heard on an equal footing.

However, the Commission stressed that the proposed changes ought to mark the beginning, rather than the end, of a wider reform of Malta's planning and development system.

"A planning system that protects the environment, Malta's natural and cultural heritage and the dignity and wellbeing of communities is essential to promoting integral human development and ensuring that future generations inherit a Malta that remains liveable, beautiful and sustainable," Cachia said.

The Commission said planning decisions must also take proper account of the cumulative impact of development on communities, neighbourhoods, infrastructure and the environment, rather than relying on a system that considers individual projects in isolation.

Meaningful reform, the Commission added, can only emerge through genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, including residents, environmental organisations, professional bodies, developers, local councils and civil society.

The Commission is therefore calling on the Government to proceed with this long-overdue reform without unnecessary delay once the public consultation concludes, while pursuing the wider changes needed to build a planning system that commands public confidence and serves the common good.