Construction sector must keep moving, possibly even accelerate, Abela insists

Prime Minister Robert Abela insisted that government will continue to defend the construction sector for as long as he remains in office.

“The construction sector needs to keep moving, or maybe even accelerate, to remain an important part of our diverse economy,” Abela said.

The prime minister was speaking in parliament on Wednesday during a debate on the proposed planning appeals reform, where he stressed that construction remains an essential part of Malta’s economy.

However, he acknowledged the need for legislative changes to prevent a recurrence of what he described as “ugly episodes” caused by delays in appeals and legal loopholes, which have left both developers and appellants facing uncertainty.

Abela outlines key reforms

According to Abela, the proposed reforms will reverse the current approach to the suspension of construction works while planning appeals are being heard.

He explained that, under the existing system, developers can begin works once a permit is issued, even if an appeal is subsequently filed.

Under the proposed reforms, however, development permits will be automatically suspended once an appeal is lodged, preventing works from proceeding until the appeal is decided.

Furthermore, the legislation will require the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal to begin hearing an appeal within three months of its submission and deliver a decision within six months.

Abela explained that permits will also remain automatically suspended while cases are being heard before the Court of Appeal, preventing potential abuses arising from prolonged legal proceedings.

He argued that the changes would strike a balance between protecting developers from unnecessary delays and ensuring that appellants are not left pursuing appeals against developments that have already been completed.

Public consultation: Where was the PN?

The prime minister also referred to the public consultation process preceding the proposed reforms, defending its duration and level of public participation.

“Is it possible that it took too long?” Abela asked. “Yes, but it was one of the biggest public consultations we had in Malta.”

He explained that submissions had been received from NGOs, architects, industry stakeholders and members of the public, but criticised the Nationalist Party for what he described as its absence from the process.

Instead, Abela pointed out that the PN had launched its own public consultation.

“We don’t even know what came of this consultation,” he said. “To this day, no one knows