Marlene Farrugia (Ind) and the Opposition voted together today on an amendment moved by Dr Farrugia at the opening stages of the committee debate on the Development Planning Bill.

The debate followed the conclusion of the debate on the Environment Protection Bill, that together with the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Bill form the legislative instruments leading to the demerger of Mepa into two separate authorities.

Dr Farrugia proposed an amendment to clause four. The clause says that the principles listed in the previous article were not “directly enforceable in any court”, although these were fundamental to the Government of Malta and were to be used in the interpretation of all laws related to planning.

Among the principles are that: It shall be the duty of the government to enhance the quality of life of the present and future generations through a comprehensive sustainable land use planning system. This included the preservation and use of resources with full regard to environmental, social and economic needs as well as the development and operation of correct and sound policies.

Dr Farrugia said that she was moving an amendment after meeting several NGOs and Alternattiva Demokratika who wished to see the principles directly enforceable in court.

Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon said that he appreciated the concerns of Dr Farrugia. However, these were guiding principles, similar to those included in the Constitution, that were note enforceable. Removing the provisions of clause four would be ‘dangerous’, remarked Dr Falzon.

Shadow minister Marthese Portelli and Ryan Callus (PN) agreed with Dr Farrugia’s motion. They said that this was in opportunity to confirm that the country has learnt from the past mistakes and wanted to do things in a better way.

In a statement, AD chairperson Arnold Cassola said that Dr Farrugia presented “a number of amendments to the planning act on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika ".

The amendment was defeated, with the government MPs voting against. 

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