Kamra tal-Periti objects to draft legal notice

The Planning Authority has issued for public consultation a draft Legal Notice which will effectively render any illegal fireworks factories built prior to 1994 legal, without any due process, application or consultation.

The Planning Authority is proposing that such illegal development is considered as “permitted development” under the Development Notification Order Classes, even if such constructions are in conflict with regulations and legislation.

Under the misleading Class title of “Existing development related to Malta’s culture and tradition”, the Authority is effectively singling out one type of development, and an illegal one at that, and giving it a carte blanche approval through a legislative measure.

It is important to ask why it is necessary for these fireworks factories to be rendered legal through this Legal Notice, rather than through the appropriate planning application processes already in place; unless, of course, this is because they would not normally be permitted if the current processes are followed.

If this Legal Notice is approved, these illegal developments will be rendered legal without any public consultation and without any consultation with the relevant authorities.

The Kamra tal-Periti strongly objects to the proposed Legal Notice and urges government and the Planning Authority to review its stance in favour of a more equitable and just solution.