The new amnesties announced to regularise building illegalities were today welcomed by developers as the "only remedy".

The new scheme, valid for two years, allows buildings (or parts of buildings) not covered by a permit to be regularised as long as they are within development zones and do not constitute “an injury to amenity”, such as disturbing neighbours or the environment.

Regularisation takes place according to a new regime of fees, such as €1,500 for a 150-square metre apartment and €4,300 for a penthouse of 100 square metres.

In a statement, the Malta Developers Association said in principle it agreed with this amnesty because there are a substantial number of property owners, including families, who have several irregularities which could never be sanctioned.

"These remained on paper for a number of years to the detriment of owners who want to sell their property. An amnesty like this announced is the only remedy for this type of problem."

Still, the MDA said the authority should take into consideration the impact on the existing surroundings to avoid new anomalies.

The MDA appealed to members who sold properties with time-barred irregularities to come forward to voluntarily refund fees current owners have to pay.

The developers also appealed to the authorities from to increase penalties on those who abuse and break the law.

In a diametrically opposing reaction, the Kamra tal-Periti expressed fears that the new regulations will open the door to severe blots in our built landscape, and will serve to promote the laissez-faire attitude of certain developers.

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