The Malta Developers Association refers to the Nationalist Party proposal for projects in zones that fall outside development (ODZ) to require the approval of a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

As a rule, the MDA has been stressing that no more land located in ODZ should be approved for development, in particular for residences and commercial purposes.
While the MDA understands the motivations behind the proposal, the Association feels that this proposal is too vague and can only be adopted if certain issues are clarified, among them:
The need for a clear difference between ODZ land that is pristine and intact and other ODZ land that has already been legally developed and committed.
First and foremost, everyone should understand clearly how the building boundary was established. It appears that when this boundary was drawn up, some injustices were committed relating to small parcels of land. This can easily be resolved because it is so obvious since in some cases the current boundary makes no sense.
The need for agreement on a clear definition of the word ‘projects’. If by projects one understands all types of development, then permits to build a greenhouse or to extend a quarry will require the approval of two-thirds of the House of Representatives. This is not practical.
The importance to clarify everyone’s understanding of the meaning of the national interest that will lead Parliament to make exceptions to the rule. In any case, each permit issued in this manner should first be scrutinised by the authorities for the development application to be processed.
In this context, the MDA suggests that a study be conducted of the PN proposal following wide consultation with all those who are interested, and this will be enhanced with the necessary details.