Government must be transparent about proposed changes to local plans, PN says

The fact that the Labour Government has proposed changes to the Local Plans without consulting either the Opposition or local councils, residents, and stakeholders is further evidence of poor governance, the Nationalist Party said in a statement Thur

By: independent.com.mt

Oct 10 2024
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Government must be transparent

The Government must consult and be transparent about the changes it is proposing.

The PN is calling on the Government to be transparent about the proposed changes to Local Plans and is seeking more information regarding media reports that the Government is suggesting changes to a particular site in St George's Bay.

This is precisely what the Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech told journalists yesterday.

The PN has been accused of being silent in the wake of reports that the local plans for St Julian's have been changed to accommodate the developers of the area around the Villa Rosa in St George's Bay.

In its statement, the PN said it emphasised the importance of every decision about this site being taken in full consultation with all stakeholders before any concrete steps are taken.

For the PN, it is unacceptable to amend only part of a Local Plan; the entire Local Plan must be revised holistically. This should be done after all necessary studies, such as a Carrying Capacity Study, are published, rather than relying on an outdated Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED).

Furthermore, the PN reiterated its commitment to fully review all Local Plans for Malta and Gozo, rather than piecemeal, to address today's realities and tackle anomalies that have been ignored for years. This must be done within the framework of good governance and in a way that ensures a level playing field for everyone.

The Partit Nazzjonalista said is aware of the significant pressures that development is placing on our localities, and this will be a guiding principle in the review of the Local Plans.

At a time when our localities are facing tremendous pressures, it is crucial that any changes are discussed openly and transparently to ensure the best solutions for all those involved, the PN said.