Some 163 University of Malta academics and researchers have joined calls for controversial bills and legal notices proposing sweeping changes to planning law to be withdrawn. “This planning reform is deeply problematic not only because of its content but also because of the process that produced it. There was no public and transparent consultation prior to the tabling of the Bills in Parliament,” the statement read. Moreover, the government has presented no studies or evidence demonstrating the needs being addressed by this reform or its potential impact,” academics wrote. “In view of this, we urge the government to withdraw the two Bills and three legal notices and to issue a White Paper on planning reform...