A resolution calling on the Government to immediately put into force legislation which would ensure that development permissions are suspended and that no construction works take place in disputed projects until all appeal proceedings are exhausted, was approved on Tuesday by members of Din l-Art Helwa (DLH).

DLH stated that both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Planning have publicly declared their intention to amend the legislation but have not yet taken any action.

“A number of completed buildings or structures in Malta and Gozo have had their respective development permissions revoked at a later stage by the Court of Appeal – but in some cases, construction had already occurred rendering them illegal,” said DLH. “The application of fines alone should not exonerate the developers from having to remove the illegal structures.”

Executive President Patrick Calleja said, “capping fines at €50,000 for illegal constructions, which are also difficult to impose because any fine over €10,000 is considered a criminal fine rather than an administrative one, is simply abetting and encouraging certain developers to carry on with impunity from the law; a situation that is unacceptable in a democratic state.”

The AGM, among other things, also approved resolutions calling for the Authorities to strictly control the use of public space by private commercial entities especially in residential areas, and to prevent illegal take-up through stricter enforcement.

In 2024, DLH took over the guardianship of the medieval Chapel of San Mikiel is-Sancir in Rabat, a request which had first been made 17 years ago. Sponsorship from BOV Plc will secure this restoration.

The organisation highlighted the fact that the past year saw considerable activity with regards to planning applications, with 750 objections filed.

DLH said that these addressed developments proposing apartment blocks threatening the historical context of prestigious townhouses in St Julian’s, villas built over ruins in Marsascala’s ODZ, and incongruous apartments that could disrupt skylines in Zejtun, Zabbar, Hamrun, Mellieha, Nadur, Sannat and Xaghra.

DLH said that it also intensified its efforts to protect Fort Chambray, Villa St Ignatius and Marsalforn valley.

“Our advocacy in court led to significant victories, including 13 court appeals won over the past year alone establishing principles critical to preserving heritage and environmental integrity, said DLH.

The non-profit organisation is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the highlight of which will be a concert at the Manoel Theatre by virtuoso violinist Carmine Lauri accompanied by his daughter Francesca Lauri on the 8th of June, made possible by PwC Malta.

File photo: Daniel Cilia

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