Front Harsien ODZ said that it has noted the proposal by the Nationalist Party which states that ODZ projects should be subject to two-thirds majority approval in Parliament. The Front said it is proposing a number of suggestions "to ensure that this proposal is consistent in principle and application."

The Front said that the requirement of a two-thirds majority for ODZ projects should be an additional safeguard in those cases where ODZ development is approved by the Planning Authority following a full and transparent planning process.

"In case of PA refusal, this should be seen as final (apart from tribunal appeal), and no vote should be taken in parliament."

The Front added that, "under no circumstances should a two-thirds parliamentary majority be sufficient for ODZ applications to go ahead, as these should always require PA approval beforehand."

"Under no circumstance should ODZ applications be approved by a simple parliamentary majority," the Front continued. "Should the two-thirds majority not be reached after the third vote, the application will be deemed as refused."

It added that the two-thirds majority requirement should also apply to any revision in development boundaries.

The process should complement SPED and the Planning Authority process. However, the Front said, "SPED should be a more comprehensive policy document so as to avoid dubious loopholes."

The Front also proposed that the Parliamentary Committee for the Environment – which also comprises civil society representatives, should take part in the parliamentary process.

"A national consultation process should define the parameters concerning which type of ODZ projects would require such approval. For example, projects qualifying for EIA should qualify."

Front Harsien ODZ in its final suggestion, said that existing policies regulating development in the ODZ should be reformed in a way that such development is further curtailed.

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