Valletta, Malta – 07.01.2025 – The National Building Council congratulates Johann Buttigieg on his recent appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the Planning Authority. The NBC trusts that it will begin holding talks with Mr. Buttigieg to start addressing the various problems being faced by the built environment, and the grave inefficiencies that are encumbering the authority itself.

Among the issues that need to be addressed with urgency is the ever-elusive balance between economic needs and social, environmental, and cultural development, through the protection of our natural and cultural heritage, and the focus on public space and quality of life.

Reform of planning policies, including the local plans and DC15, to achieve better design outcomes and more sustainable development must be at the centre of the authority’s focus in the year ahead.

Additionally, planning processes must also undergo major reform to minimise delays and unnecessary bureaucracy which only adds to the problem of housing affordability, and procedural abuse and inconsistencies. The various recent Court of Appeal judgements on various planning applications is a clear indication that change within the authority is necessary to ensure that decisions are taken in a fair manner, consistent with policy and law.

The Council remains committed to collaborating closely with the Planning Authority to ensure that these initiatives are implemented effectively. We firmly believe that by building on the foundations laid by the outgoing CEO, Mr. Oliver Magro, and addressing emerging challenges, Malta can achieve its goals of sustainable growth while maintaining a high standard of service for all stakeholders.