The planning authority is denying claims by the developers and architects’ lobby that it had changed its policies without holding any public consultation meetings.

In a statement, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said a circular published last week had clarified its regulations and not attempted to amend them.

On Wednesday, the Malta Developers Association and Chamber of Architects accused Mepa of setting new regulations on the development of gardens and courtyards at the back of buildings, the use of basements for residential purposes, and the change of use of garages that are part of residential houses.

Reacting to the allegations, Mepa clarified that the circular had made no changes to the existing regulations. Rather, it had been published to clarify misinterpretations of existing policies.

“Over a period of time, certain policies were being consistently interpreted in a way which cumulatively departs from the intention behind the original strategic policy thrust,” it said.

Sometimes, Mepa said, the way the policy had been interpreted by applicants had resulted in the progressive deterioration of the urban environment. Green enclaves were among the victims of the misinterpretation, as certain developments had encroached on the green areas.

On the residential use of basements, the authority said it had witnessed cases where this had led to excessive over-development resulting in a decline in residents’ standard of living.

Mepa said it also received regular requests to turn garages into offices and retail outlets.

Following discussions with Transport Malta, the authority said these requests would be favourably considered mostly where the garages form part of single dwelling and not part of a block of apartments.

This new interpretation, it said, did not mean such garages were no longer subject to standard planning policies.