PN launches public consultation on planning appeals reform

Updated at 3:27pm with PL statement

The Nationalist Party has launched a public consultation on the proposed reform of the planning appeals process ahead of the Bill’s parliamentary debate.

Environmental NGOs, local councils, professionals working in the sector, developers, industry representatives, and residents have been invited to submit their concerns and proposals on the reform.

Contributions can be submitted through this link and will help shape the Opposition’s parliamentary position, including any amendments it may propose during the legislative process.

The government’s own public consultation closed a few days ago, while the Bill relating to the reform has already passed its first reading in parliament.

The PN called on government not to proceed with the Bill’s second reading until the full outcome of that consultation has been published.

In a statement announcing its consultation on Monday, the PN noted that current laws allow construction to begin, or even be completed, while an appeal against a permit is still ongoing. This, it said, can render the appeal pointless because works carried out may be irreversible.

The party said it believes development permits should be automatically suspended once an appeal is filed and remain suspended until proceedings are concluded, welcoming the fact that this principle is now on the agenda.

However, it warned that the proposals presented so far contain several points requiring further scrutiny to ensure the reform is not weakened by loopholes.

The PN said it will pay particular attention to whether the proposed suspension of development during an appeal would be genuinely automatic and effective.

It will also examine any exceptions or loopholes that could weaken the right of appeal, as well as the proposed timeframes and the resources required by the Tribunal and Court.

The party concluded that it will work to ensure the legislation ultimately approved by parliament gives practical effect to the principle, without loopholes, unjustified exceptions, or rights that exist only on paper.

PL slams PN's 'absence'

Later on Monday, the Labour Party condemned what it described as the Opposition’s decision not to participate in the public consultation on the reform and its attempt to "stall the parliamentary process."

The PL noted that the PN did not make an official submission during the public consultation on the reform.

"It is not the right approach to wait until a public consultation has concluded and then seek to launch a separate process behind closed doors."