The processing of development applications is set for a complete overhaul as the government unveils about 100 proposals, half of which require legislative changes.
Details on the reforms are set to be announced today as part of the plan to split the Malta Environment and Planning Authority into two separate entities: the Development Planning Authority and another authority responsible for the safeguard of the environment and resources.
Addressing the media ahead of a meeting with a delegation from the Malta Developers Association, the Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Michael Farrugia, yesterday acknowledged that this would be a very bold step. He said the initial plan was simply to group existing units and directorates under two separate authorities but “eventually it was realised that such a move would not address bureaucracy and a host of other shortcomings”.
The idea is for Parliament to approve the necessary amendments to the law and have all new legal notices in place by summer.
Dr Farrugia gave the example of the building regulations unit and minimum sanitary requirements, which, at present, fall under two different ministries. There would not be a one-stop shop within the planning authority to make it easier for applicants.
This model will also be adopted for the issuing of encroachment permits to catering establishments for chairs and tables, which at the time being falls under the remit of several authorities.
Dr Farrugia announced that holders of development permits issued between 2006 and 2008 would be given an additional one-year extension to be able to finish construction. This would apply only until the new local plans were in place.
MDA president Sandro Chetcuti called for the re-introduction of outline permits, which had been discontinued following the 2008 Mepa reform and replaced by a screening letter. He said that, more often than not, developers were being “left in the dark” on the status of their application whereas with an outline permit one would have a more definite reply.
Mr Chetcuti said the renewed enthusiasm in the construction industry was being hindered by bureaucracy and the constant requests for studies for major development applications. Such studies were sometimes needless and cost too much, he complained. He lauded the government for the reduction in Mepa tariffs and for exempting first-time buyers from paying stamp duty.