The planning authority’s claim to increased efficiency in processing development permits ignores the fact that the number of applications dropped drastically this year, according to the developers association.

In a review of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s work yesterday, chairman Austin Walker stressed that this year was dedicated to the successful implementation of the reform.

The planning authority, he said, had processed the majority of applications received within 12 weeks.

Although fewer applications were being filed, Mr Walker said, the reasons behind this were complex and could not simply be pinned down to higher fees. Applications now went through a screening process to ensure all the necessary information was there.

Reacting to this, the Malta Developers’ Association said it was surprised to hear Mr Walker claim there was increased efficiency.

The current economic climate in the property market led to a large drop in applications for substantial developments.

“The situation has deteriorated so much that, unfortunately, the citizen has given up trying to approach Mepa,” the association said.

The MDA said that during meetings the authority had shown it was ready to consider revising certain procedures to improve its efficiency but then dragged its feet.

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