Government to Launch DC15 Planning Policy Consultation as Local Plans Review Moves Forward
The Government will launch a public consultation in the coming weeks on the objectives of a revision of the Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards 2015 (DC15), following progress in Parliament on reforms to the right of appeal in planning matters.
The announcement was made by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard during his closing address at the National Property Conference 2026.
Minister Attard said the revision should deliver a clearer and more consistent planning framework, better suited to current and future needs, with greater emphasis on architectural quality, the protection of built heritage and improved residential environments.
“Following the important step we have taken with the reform of the right of appeal, we are now ready to open a national discussion on the future of DC15. We want a policy that reflects today's priorities and places quality at the heart of development,” Minister Attard said.
Government to Review Local Plans
The Minister also announced that a process to review Malta's local plans would begin in the coming months.
He explained that the review would be divided into different thematic areas, allowing each issue to be assessed according to its particular characteristics, challenges and requirements.
Attard acknowledged that local plans have been the subject of debate for several years and that partial revisions have already been carried out to respond to changing circumstances.
“We cannot continue treating different realities according to the same standards. We need an approach that recognises these differences, understands the needs and is capable of offering appropriate solutions for each particular situation,” he said.
He stressed that the process would be based on open dialogue, consultation and detailed analysis.
Balancing Development With Quality of Life
Minister Attard said Malta's challenge was not to choose between economic growth and quality of life, but to ensure that the two advance together.
He explained that the proposed DC15 revision and local plans review form part of a wider programme of reform in the planning and construction sectors.
This includes the National Building and Construction Code, the licensing of operators and the introduction of the Skill Cards system.
The Minister linked these reforms to Malta Vision 2050, which places quality of life, economic competitiveness, sustainability and people's wellbeing at the centre of national development.
He added that similar principles are reflected in Budget 2027, with the aim of creating a construction sector that is more productive, technologically advanced and driven by higher standards.
Consultation Does Not Mean a Veto
While reaffirming the Government's commitment to consultation with stakeholders, Minister Attard emphasised that public engagement does not mean giving any particular group the power to veto decisions.
He said the Government remains responsible for balancing legitimate interests and making decisions in the best interests of the country and its communities.
Concern Over Recent Planning Disputes
Minister Attard also expressed concern about incidents involving planning and construction disputes in recent weeks.
He referred to the personal attachment of a mayor's assets following an appeal lodged on behalf of a local council, as well as a separate dispute involving a construction site and a private residence that had attracted public attention.
According to the Minister, such incidents risk undermining confidence in the sector and damaging the industry's reputation.
“In a modern and fair system, both a person's right to submit a development application and another person's right to make use of the appeals process and the remedies provided by law must be respected,” he said.
Attard warned that actions of this nature could establish precedents that encourage similar disputes in the future.
Possible Additional Legal Safeguards
The Minister said the Government was considering whether further legislative intervention might be required to ensure that people can exercise their legal rights without pressure, intimidation or fear.
He explained that existing reforms had enabled Government intervention in a case involving a person holding public office, but equivalent protections were not available in the same way to a private citizen.
Measuring Success Through Wellbeing
Concluding his address, Minister Attard referred to the Government's proposed Wellbeing Index, intended to measure national success through factors extending beyond economic performance.
These include quality of life, the wellbeing of families and communities, and environmental conditions.
He argued that the same approach should guide the future of Malta's construction and property sectors, where success should be judged by the quality of development and the long-term value created for residents and future generations.
Source: Ministry for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment.
Photos: MIPE.
