Members of Din l-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) yesterday approved a resolution calling on the
Government to immediately put into force legislation which would ensure that development
permissions are suspended and that no construction works take place in disputed projects
until all appeal proceedings are exhausted.

Both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Planning have publicly declared their intention to
amend the legislation but have not yet taken any action. A number of completed buildings or
structures in Malta and Gozo have had their respective development permissions revoked at
a later stage by the Court of Appeal – but in some cases, construction had already occurred
rendering them illegal. The application of fines alone should not exonerate the developers
from having to remove the illegal structures.

Executive President Patrick Calleja said “Capping fines at €50,000 for illegal constructions,
which are also difficult to impose because any fine over €10,000 is considered a criminal fine
rather than an administrative one, is simply abetting and encouraging certain developers to
carry on with impunity from the law; a situation that is unacceptable in a democratic state.”

The AGM, among other things, also approved resolutions calling for the Authorities to strictly
control the use of public space by private commercial entities especially in residential areas,
and to prevent illegal take-up through stricter enforcement.

In 2024, DLĦ took over the guardianship of the medieval Chapel of San Mikiel is-Sanċir in
Rabat, a request which had first been made 17 years ago. Sponsorship from BOV Plc will
secure this restoration.

The past year saw considerable activity with regards to planning applications, with 750
objections filed. These addressed developments proposing apartment blocks threatening the
historical context of prestigious townhouses in St Julian’s, villas built over ruins in
Marsascala’s ODZ, and incongruous apartments that could disrupt skylines in Żejtun,
Żabbar, Ħamrun, Mellieħa, Nadur, Sannat and Xagħra. DLĦ also intensified its efforts to
protect Fort Chambray, Villa St Ignatius and Marsalforn valley.

Our advocacy in court led to significant victories, including 13 court appeals won over the
past year alone establishing principles critical to preserving heritage and environmental
integrity.

The non-profit organisation is celebrating its 60 th Anniversary this year, the highlight of which
will be a concert at the Manoel Theatre by virtuoso violinist Carmine Lauri accompanied by
his daughter Francesca Lauri on 8 June, made possible by PwC Malta.

KEY MILESTONES FOR 2024
 141,818 visitors at sites, up 3.6%
 18,556 hours ‘donated’ by council and volunteers
 €52,000 spent on objections and appeals
 750 objections filed against planning applications
 14 appeals submitted to the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal
 186 events/activities held at sites: 4 a week!
 €37,600 raised through DLH events
 Corporate sponsorship doubled to €90,000
 €380,000 spent on restoration and maintenance
 5,500 tons of debris removed from Majjistral Park
 9,500 trees and shrubs planted at Majjistral Park