The Chamber of Architects (Kamra tal-Periti) has again called for a comprehensive evaluation of the regulations regarding the size of the internal yards, back yards and floor to ceiling heights.

"These regulations were enacted several years ago and they are now in need
of a comprehensive evaluation to address the effects of contemporary building practices, materials and technological advancements," it said in a statement.

It noted that rather than amending regulations to cater for today's practices, the General Services Board and MEPA were now giving "owners of dwellings that have an existing structure not in accordance with sanitary law" a so called "concession to regularize their position".

"Although the Kamra tal-Periti does not object to this so called concession, it wishes to draw the attention of the General Services Board that in its own words the Board has established that "dwellings which have an internal or back yard less than half the size of what it should have otherwise been will not be acceptable as they pose a public health risk". By this statement the Board is establishing the principle that the minimum acceptable size for an internal yard or backyard which does not pose a health risk is half that which was acceptable
to date. Moreover, an internal floor to ceiling height of 2.6 m, as against the statutory 2.75 m, is now considered adequate. This is indeed a worrying situation," the Chamber said.

"In this scenario one may question why such properties were not built in accordance with permits and legislation? Some cases may have been genuine, but others, unfortunately, may not have been carried out in good faith. How is MEPA going to distinguish between the two?"

The chamber called on the General Services Board to undertake a suitable
researched analysis of the regulations and come up with a set of regulations that meet today's needs and exigencies without jeopardizing the health of the community.