Mepa this afternoon put off its decision about a property belonging to Equal Opportunities Minister Helena Dalli and her husband because Mr Dalli was indisposed and could not attend the meeting.

The Mepa Board said the request made to postpone the hearing was being upheld even though the members of the board “had no problem deciding on the case today”. Such cases have usually been decided upon, even without the presence of the architect or the applicant.

The planning authority was set to decide on whether to approve the request made by Mr Dalli to sanction his development in Żejtun. The development breached the original permit given on several counts and Mr Dalli was served an enforcement notice.

The farmhouse located Outside Development Zones came into the spotlight after this newspaper reported workers on site despite the enforcement notice.

Both Mr Dalli andminister Dalli  had said they were not aware workmen were on site even though their residential home is a few metres away. Mr Dalli had said the house was on a promise of sale agreement.

While the Mepa application to sanction illegal development on site is in his name, the property is owned by one of his companies – Pada Builders Limited.

The case officer report is still recommending a refusal, but the Board has  requested the preparation of a document listing the conditions on which a full development permit could be granted.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 24, the Board said.