ADPD condemns government for 'dragging its feet' on planning bills

ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci condemned the pending bills on land planning presented by the government.

While addressing a press conference on land planning, Gauci claimed that the bills were presented to parliament after pressure from the Planning Authority to be less rigorous in its duties and abdicating its planning responsibilities to become a “permit factory.”

Gauci explained that the proposed bills would make it easier for a development proposal to be approved by the Planning Authority, who will no longer have to consider environmental issues. 

Shorter appeal deadlines mean weakened community defenses against developers, making it harder for residents to present submission on development proposals. “This is what they want, less interference from those who dare to stand up to them,” said Gauci.

She said that the government is engaged “in a non-stop onslaught” on ODZ land, noting the jarring difference between the government’s ongoing campaign for green spaces and the €700 million earmarked for projects within the ODZ zone.

She insisted that the issuing of fines on illegal developments does not solve the problem, instead, they send a message that anything can be bought if you have the money. 

“It implies that money is absolution, and the environmental damage will be forgotten,” said ADPD Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo.

Gauci also called on the government to mandate that no project moves forward when an application is rejected and subsequently appealed.

“While the government has been saying it is in agreement with this, it appears to be dragging its feet,” she said.