Watch: ‘We’re Not In A Rush’ – Abela Seeks Agreement With NGOs On Planning Reforms
Prime Minister Robert Abela said he wants to reach an agreement with environmentalists before pressing forward with proposed reforms to Malta’s planning laws.
Prior to yesterday’s Budget, Abela met up with Moviment Graffitti activist Andre Callus and other activists who were staging a protest against the planning bills outside Parliament.
At a press conference, the Prime Minister said it was a very cordial meeting, which followed other meetings he had with environmental NGOs in recent days.
“A few weeks ago, a Cabinet subcommittee welcomed proposed amendments from NGOs to these planning bills and we are now transforming their feedback into reforms,” he said.
“When this process is over, we will show these revised bills to environmental NGOs and other stakeholders and listen to them again. If we need to embark on further public consultation we will do so.”
“We’re not in a rush, and we must proceed carefully to ensure we’re understanding everyone. Until then, the parliamentary procedure won’t start.”
Abela said that although the government and NGOs differ on several points, he believes dialogue and goodwill can lead to common ground.
“I have no commitments to anyone, I have no red lines for anyone, and I believe we can make headway with proper dialogue.”
NGOs have raised the alarm on a number of points in the reforms – particularly proposals that would allow planning policies to override local plans, limit the power of the courts to revoke planning permits and allow them to impose €5,000 fines if they deem an appeal to be frivolous or vexatious in nature.
Photo right: Government of Malta
READ NEXT: In Photos: 85,000 Litres Of Water Used To Control Għaxaq Industrial Fire
