The Government has told Mepa to suspend all meetings until it receives new instructions from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The construction business is already in dire straits

Sources close to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, which falls under the Prime Minister’s portfolio, said meetings of the main Mepa board and its Environment and Planning Commissions have been suspended.

The main board, which decides on larger planning applications, was scheduled to meet this Thursday while the commissions, which deal with minor permits, had meetings scheduled for next week with a packed agenda.

All those concerned, including architects and clients, were advised about these meetings at least three weeks ago but the OPM’s decision will mean that applications are now on hold.

Last week, members of boards connected to Mepa were asked to tender their resignation following the change in government. It is not yet known whether the resignations have been accepted although a new Mepa board has yet to be appointed.

Sources close to the construction industry said although it was natural for a new government to appoint a new board at Mepa, the planning and development process did not usually come to a complete halt after the election.

“The construction business is already in dire straits following the rejection of the Budget 2013, as the signing of all new contracts has practically stopped in view of the proposed amendments to the stamp duty rates,” one source said.

Asked to explain this decision, a spokesman for the OPM confirmed that all meetings have been put on hold “until there is a good hold of the current situation of these existent boards”.

“All boards will resume to their function in the coming days.”