In the coming weeks, the Government will launch a public consultation on the objectives for the revision of the Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards 2015 (DC15) policy, following progress in Parliament on the reform of the right of appeal in planning matters.

This was announced by the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard during the closing address of the National Property Conference 2026.

In his address, Minister Attard said that the revision of DC15 should lead to a clearer, more consistent framework that is better suited to present-day and future realities, with a strong emphasis on architectural quality, the protection of built heritage and the improvement of residential quality.

“Following the important step we have taken with the reform of the right of appeal, we are now ready to open a national discussion on the future of DC15. We want a policy that reflects today's priorities and places quality at the heart of development,” Minister Attard stated.

The Minister also referred to the need to review local plans, which have been the subject of ongoing discussion over recent years. He recalled that various partial revisions had also been carried out over the years to address changing circumstances and evolving needs. 

In this context, the Minister announced that, in the coming months, the Government will launch a process to review local plans, divided into different thematic areas, so that each subject can be addressed according to its specific characteristics, challenges and requirements. 

He explained that not every area has the same characteristics, nor does every activity have the same requirements. “We cannot continue treating different realities according to the same standards. We need an approach that recognises these differences, understands the needs and is capable of offering appropriate solutions for each particular situation. We want to carry out this process through open dialogue, consultation and serious analysis,” Minister Attard said. 

The Minister emphasised that the country’s challenge is not to choose between economic growth and quality of life, but to ensure that both go hand in hand. He explained that the revision of DC15 and the work on local plans form part of a broader vision for reforming the construction and planning sectors. This also includes the National Building and Construction Code, the licensing of operators and the Skill Cards system. 

The Minister also explained that this work forms an integral part of Malta Vision 2050, which places quality of life, economic competitiveness, sustainability and people’s well-being at the centre of the country’s development. He noted that the same principles are reflected in Budget 2027, which aims for a construction sector that is more productive, technologically advanced and driven by higher standards. 

While reiterating the Government’s commitment to dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders, the Minister stressed that consultation does not mean granting a veto, and that the Government retains the ultimate responsibility to balance all legitimate interests and take decisions in the best interests of the country and its communities. 

In the context of recent developments within the sector, Minister Attard also expressed concern about certain incidents that have occurred in recent weeks. These included the personal attachment of a Mayor’s assets as a consequence of an appeal lodged on behalf of a Local Council, as well as another case that was escalated publicly and involved a construction site and a private residence. He maintained that situations of this nature do not help strengthen confidence in the sector or enhance the reputation of the industry itself. 

“In a modern and fair system, both a person’s right to submit a development application and another person's right to make use of the appeals process and the remedies provided by law must be respected. My concern is not only about a particular case, but also about the precedent it could set. When this type of action begins to be used, there is a real risk that others will follow the same path, and what is an isolated case today could become a trend tomorrow,” Minister Attard said. 

He therefore stated that the Government is considering whether further legislative intervention may be necessary to ensure that everyone can exercise their rights without pressure, intimidation or fear within the sector. He also noted that, while the Government was able to intervene in the case in question thanks to a reform that strengthened protections for people holding public office, the same possibility did not exist in the case of a private citizen. 

In concluding his address, Minister Attard referred to the Wellbeing Index proposed by the Government as a new measure of national success. This index takes into account not only economic performance but also quality of life, the well-being of families and communities, and the environment. He maintained that the same approach should guide the future of the construction and property sectors, where success should be measured by the quality of development and the value created for people and future generations.