Mepa has tweaked its development planning regulations by removing the six-month time limit for the deposit of bank guarantees attached to some permits.
The new regulation lays down that the bank guarantees can be paid within the five-year term that permits are valid for, as long as payment is made before any works commence.
CEO Ian Stafrace told the press this morning that to date, applicants were required to pay the bank guarantee within six months of the permit being issued, even if construction works did not begin for a few years.
He said Mepa wanted to make it easier for developers to finance their developments. Objectors who wished to appeal over the issuing of a permit could do so independently of whether or not the deposit would have been paid.
He also said that whereas to date all street and sewer fees were paid upfront and then refunded when permits were not issued, under the new changes, in cases of fees exceeding €10,000 such fees would only have to be paid once permits were issued and before works started.
Dr Stafrace said that an analysis of the handling of development permit applications last year showed that in 99% of cases, Mepa respected all time frames. There was also consistency in all stages of the development-planning process. He said that Mepa was encouraging meetings between applicants, their architects and Mepa case officers to iron out problems and avoid delays.
NEW INDIGENOUS PLANT FOUND
Botanist Stephen Mifsud announced that it had been confirmed that an orchid found in 2009 was unique to the Maltese islands. The small Bumble Bee orchid, as it has been called, is similar to the common Bumble Bee orchid but it is a third smaller, slightly oblong and has a brighter centre.
There are some 40 types of orchid in Malta, of which 33 are legally protected.
The new orchid was found in Pembroke and Mġarr. The flower grows in garigue.
He also announced that experts had also found in Malta the Smooth thyme-leaved fumama, which is a form of sun rose. There are some 20 forms of sun rose in the world and this is the fourth in Malta. It differs from the other three in having furry leaves. The sun rose was discovered in the North of Malta and in Gozo. It also grows in Spain and Italy.
GNEJNA BAY PROTECTION
The Mepa officials also explained the reasoning behind their decision last week to protect Gnejna Bay after a turtle returned to the beach to lay eggs.
Darren Stevens from the environment protection directorate, said noise, vibrations and light were a threat to turtles and Mepa had therefore decide to outlaw loud music, barbeques and parking in parts of the bay.
The turtle eggs are expected to hatch in mid to end August. The site is being protected round the clock.
Anyone found capturing a turtle is liable to a fine of €476 per turtle.
He said the turtle eggs had to be moved to a safer site last week because the original site was too close to the sea. In fact, had prompt action not been taken, the eggs would have been washed away by the sea within 24 hours.