At a glance
- Bill No. 13 of 2026, amending the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Act (Cap. 551) and related laws
- Second reading started on 19 October 2026; the Opposition has said it will vote in favour
- Not law yet. Today, an appeal does not stop works on its own
- If passed: a permit is suspended automatically when it's appealed
- Tribunal to decide within 6 months; Court of Appeal within 4 months (extendable by 2)
How it works today
When the Planning Authority issues a permit, third parties who objected can appeal to the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT), and then to the Court of Appeal. Under the current law, an appeal doesn't stop the permit by itself. The tribunal can suspend a permit if asked, but otherwise works can go ahead while the appeal is heard.
That has led to cases where buildings were finished, or demolitions done, before an appeal decided the permit should never have been issued.
What Bill 13 would change
- Automatic suspension: once an appeal is filed, the permit is suspended. No construction, demolition, excavation or change of use until the case is finally decided.
- Deadlines: the tribunal would hold a first hearing within 30 days and decide within six months; the Court of Appeal would have four months, extendable once by up to two.
- Enforcement: clear penalties for anyone who carries on works during a suspension.
- Exceptions: the government would be able to lift the suspension for certain projects of national importance.
- Digitalisation and more support for the tribunal to keep cases moving.
Where it stands
The bill had its first reading in July 2026, after a public consultation. The second reading began on 19 October 2026, and the Opposition has said it will vote in favour, so it's likely to pass. It only becomes law once Parliament approves it and it's published. We'll update this page when that happens.
This replaces an earlier, wider reform (Bills 143 and 144 of 2025) that drew strong opposition and lapsed when Parliament was dissolved in April 2026.
What it means for your project
- Homeowners renovating: most small renovations attract no objections and no appeals, so little should change. Works through a DNO follow a different procedure.
- Developers: if a permit attracted objections, build the possibility of a 6–12 month pause into your programme, finance and contracts.
- Neighbours and objectors: an appeal would protect the site until it's decided, so damage can't be done in the meantime.
How we help
We plan programmes around permit risk, so contractors, suppliers and payments aren't locked in before a permit is safe to use.
This guide is general information about a bill before Parliament, not legal advice. The final law may differ from the bill as published.
Frequently asked questions
Do planning appeals stop building works in Malta?
Not under the current law. An appeal doesn't stop a permit by itself, although the tribunal can suspend it on request. Bill No. 13 of 2026 would make the suspension automatic.
Is the planning appeals reform law yet?
Not yet. Parliament started the second reading of Bill No. 13 on 19 October 2026, and the Opposition has said it will vote in favour.
How long would an appeal take under the new bill?
The tribunal would have six months to decide, and the Court of Appeal four months, extendable once by up to two months.
Sources
- Parliament of Malta – Bill No. 13, Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (Amendment)
- Malta Independent – Parliament begins discussing planning appeals reform
- Times of Malta – Government will continue defending construction sector, Abela tells parliament
- TVM News – Parliamentary debate on planning appeals reform continues
