A controversial 12-storey development on the Mistra ridge, approved in 2008 and currently under appeal, would likely be permitted under proposed changes to Malta’s planning laws.The project, led by developer Charles Camilleri, aims to replace the former Mistra Village with a high-rise complex. Despite current policies prohibiting tall buildings on ridges, the permit has undergone multiple renewals and legal challenges according to Malta Today.In December 2024, the Court of Appeal revoked a decision by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT), instructing a reassessment of the project’s compliance with current laws and policies.Under existing legislation, permit renewals must adhere to the policies in effect at the time of review. However, the new bill would grant the Planning Board the discretion to apply current policies when renewing permits, potentially allowing developments that contravene existing regulations.The Mistra project, still under appeal, could be affected if the EPRT refers the renewal back to the Planning Board. This would necessitate a new case officer report, reassessing the development under the new planning regime.Interestingly, while the proposed law allows the Planning Authority to bypass current policies for permit renewals, it applies the opposite logic for new applications. In such cases, the bill prioritises the latest policy over the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development and local plans.This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for approvals that override today’s planning policies, particularly in sensitive areas like the Mistra ridge.What do you make of this?•