The public consultation process on the planning appeals reform has been officially concluded, the Government said.

During the consultation period, the Ministry for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment said that it received a number of submissions and observations from citizens, organisations, professionals, stakeholders and interested entities, who gave their input on the proposed legislative framework.

Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard said that the consultation was an essential part of a process that should lead to a fairer, more transparent and effective system for planning appeals.

“Now that the public consultation has closed I would like to thank everyone who participated constructively. This is a subject that directly affects our communities, people’s quality of life and trust in the planning system. It was therefore important to hear all opinions and proposals before moving to the next phase,” he said.

It was explained that the proposed reform is built on three main pillars: the automatic suspension of relevant permits when an appeal is filed; clear deadlines for cases to be decided in a timely manner; and further digitalisation and administrative tools to strengthen the work of the Environment and Planning Appeals Tribunal.

Minister Attard stated that the main aim of the reform is to ”address a situation that has been felt in the system for many years, where despite the law providing for a right of appeal, in certain cases the permit has already been implemented before the appeal process is completed.”

“It is not enough that the right of appeal exists in law if it cannot produce a real effect in practice. This is not a reform in favour of or against development. It is a reform in favour of justice, balance and trust in institutions. We are creating a system where the rights of appellants are protected, while continuing to guarantee legal certainty and predictability for those who have obtained a permit in a regular manner,” said the Minister.

He added that the proposals also include more modern electronic notification systems, improvements in digital registers, stronger coordination between the Tribunal, the Planning Authority and the Courts, as well as the introduction of dedicated administrative assistance for the Tribunal ”so that cases are administered more efficiently and without unnecessary delay.”

Minister Attard said that in the coming weeks a detailed evaluation of the contributions received during the consultation will be carried out so that, where appropriate, they will be reflected in the final version of the reform.

“We want a fairer, more transparent and more credible system, where appeal not only exists in law but is capable of producing a real remedy. This is a reform in favour of good governance and in favour of greater trust in the planning system,” concluded Minister Attard.

The Government said it will ”now continue with the necessary work to advance the reform in the parliamentary process, with the aim of fulfilling the commitment towards a more effective, balanced and fair planning system.”

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