In response to the Ministry for Public Works and Planning’s discussion paper on amendments to the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal Act and the Development Planning Act, the Commissioner for Environment and Planning in the Office of the Ombudsman, Perit Alan Saliba, has submitted ten proposals aimed to address the automatic suspension of development permissions during third-party appeals.
In his introduction, the Commissioner highlighted the need to address development proposal implementation, especially during third-party appeals. This is to safeguard also the interests of property buyers, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities. He also touched upon the implications of the current Planning Authority’s electronic representation procedures and the need for proper regulations. Insights from cases investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman informed these proposals, ensuring that the implementation of works during third-party appeals is addressed adequately.
The Commissioner stated, “It’s essential that our planning processes remain clear and relevant to the digital age. These proposals aim to provide a balanced approach for developers, buyers, and authorities.”
Details of the ten proposals are available here.
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