Gozo gets its own development permits commission

In a move that has sparked public unease but garnered strong support from the construction industry, the government has created a new planning permits commission exclusively for Gozo. The initiative, introduced under the pretext of improving efficiency, has been met with suspicion by environmental advocates and civic groups who fear the decision could accelerate unchecked development on Malta’s sister island.

A dedicated commission for Gozo

Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri announced the formation of the fourth planning commission, which will now function independently from Malta’s other three planning bodies. The new commission’s establishment is being framed as a measure to better address Gozo’s unique development landscape, but critics argue it is another mechanism to streamline approvals for politically connected developers.

“The new commission will make the application process more effective and more responsive to Gozitan realities,” Camilleri said, defending the move. However, the selection of members and their connections to the Ministry of Gozo have raised questions about the impartiality of the new body.

Handpicked members raise questions

Minister Camilleri appointed three individuals to sit on the Gozo Planning Commission, all of whom have strong ties either to him personally or to influential figures within the development sector. Heading the commission is Elizabeth Ellul, a planner whose name has been at the center of past development controversies.

Ellul is best known for her time at the Planning Authority, where she helped shape Labour’s liberal development policy. She was removed from her role in 2020 after approving a number of questionable permits, many in Outside Development Zones (ODZ), including those linked to Gozitan magnate Joseph Portelli.

Despite her Maltese origins, Ellul is known to spend weekends in Gozo at an apartment she purchased from Portelli years ago. Her close proximity to one of Gozo’s most prolific developers has further fuelled accusations of bias.

Family ties and political links

Ellul’s appointment is not the only one drawing scrutiny. Her husband, Perit Andrew Ellul, was appointed to the main planning board by Minister Camilleri just last year. This intertwining of personal and professional associations is viewed by many as undermining public trust in the neutrality of the planning process.

Joining Ellul on the new commission is Cornelia Tabone, a Gozitan architect who has previously collaborated with Camilleri in his former role as a practicing architect. Tabone's architectural firm is jointly run with her uncle, Carmelo Borg, a former Labour MP for Gozo. With her new position on the planning commission, Tabone will now be prohibited from engaging in private practice.

However, her record is not without controversy. Tabone’s name surfaced during court proceedings involving a former Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS) official who faced corruption charges. Philip Rizzo, the former FTS CEO, testified that Tabone approved falsified invoices. Although Tabone has not been charged with any crime, the connection has cast a shadow over her public service appointment.

Civil servant completes the trio

The third member appointed to the new Gozo commission is Pierre Hili, a civil servant from Sannat. Hili currently chairs the Strategic Environmental Assessment Focal Point within the Ministry for the Environment. His dual role as a planner and an environmental assessor has raised eyebrows, especially among conservationists concerned that his new planning responsibilities may conflict with his environmental oversight duties.

Critics argue that Hili’s appointment furthers the perception that the commission is designed less for independent oversight and more to push development forward with minimal resistance.

Concerns over political appointments and transparency

Since assuming authority over the Planning Authority, Minister Camilleri has overseen the appointment of numerous individuals with personal or professional links to himself or the Labour Party. Among them is architect Godwin Agius, who was awarded a €700,000 direct order by the Ministry for Gozo to oversee the reconstruction of a key road in Nadur.

Agius operates out of a building owned by Camilleri’s mother, and he was recently appointed to the Planning Authority’s Executive Council, the most powerful decision-making body in the institution. Such appointments have prompted allegations of favoritism and a troubling lack of transparency.

Environmental groups and watchdog NGOs have voiced strong criticism of what they describe as the “capture” of planning institutions by political interests and private developers. They argue that Gozo, once known for its scenic landscapes and tranquil environment, is at risk of irreversible overdevelopment.

Developers welcome the change

In contrast to public concerns, Gozitan developers have hailed the creation of the new commission as a long-overdue step toward administrative autonomy and economic development. Several contractors and developers have expressed satisfaction with the ability to deal with planners who, in their view, understand the island’s unique context and logistical challenges.

“It makes sense for Gozo to have its own commission,” said one developer who asked to remain anonymous. “Gozo is not Malta, and we face different issues here. A dedicated board helps us get things done faster and with less red tape.”

However, this enthusiasm has been met with skepticism from civil society groups, who say that what developers see as “streamlining” often translates into fewer barriers to speculative construction in ecologically sensitive areas.

A fragile balance between development and conservation

Gozo's charm has long rested on its slower pace of life, picturesque villages, and rural landscape. While development is essential for economic growth, critics of the current planning system warn that Gozo is at risk of losing the very qualities that make it unique.

The rise in construction, particularly in ODZ areas, has been a persistent point of contention. With politically connected developers gaining influence and planning decisions increasingly concentrated among allies of the Minister, public trust in the regulatory process has diminished.

The new Gozo commission, though officially tasked with improving efficiency, could deepen these tensions unless accompanied by robust oversight mechanisms, transparency, and genuine public consultation.

Conclusion

The creation of a dedicated planning commission for Gozo marks a significant shift in the island's approach to development, one that is being closely watched by both stakeholders and critics. While Gozitan developers and contractors have embraced the move as a step toward more responsive governance, concerns about transparency, favoritism, and environmental degradation continue to mount.

The appointment of individuals with personal and political connections to the Gozo Ministry has raised legitimate questions about the impartiality of the new commission. At the heart of the debate lies a broader tension between development and preservation—between the drive for economic growth and the responsibility to protect Gozo's unique cultural and environmental heritage.

Unless balanced by robust oversight, public accountability, and genuine community engagement, the promise of administrative efficiency risks becoming a gateway for unchecked construction. As Gozo navigates this critical juncture, the future of the island’s landscape and identity may well depend on how responsibly this new planning authority wields its power.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the new Gozo planning commission?
The commission aims to streamline and localize the development application process in Gozo to address the island’s specific planning needs.

Who heads the new Gozo permits commission?
Elizabeth Ellul, a former Planning Authority official known for controversial ODZ approvals, leads the commission.

Why is Elizabeth Ellul’s appointment controversial?
She was previously removed from the Planning Authority for approving permits in questionable circumstances, many involving ODZ developments.

What connections does Ellul have to developers?
She owns property purchased from Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Who else is on the Gozo commission?
The other members are Cornelia Tabone, a Gozitan architect with political ties, and Pierre Hili, a civil servant with environmental oversight duties.

What criticisms have been raised about the commission?
Critics argue it promotes favoritism, lacks transparency, and risks accelerating overdevelopment in Gozo.

What is the role of Clint Camilleri in this issue?
As Gozo and Planning Minister, Camilleri created the commission and appointed its members, many of whom have personal or political ties to him.

How have developers responded to the new commission?
Many developers have welcomed the commission, seeing it as a way to speed up approvals and support local business.

What are environmental groups saying?
They are concerned the commission will lead to more unregulated construction and the loss of Gozo’s rural identity.

How might this impact Gozo's future?
The commission could result in a construction boom that alters the island’s landscape, potentially harming its ecological and cultural heritage.