The planning authority has defended itself from criticism over a recent circular, saying that all it was doing was clarifying existing policies which were being misinterpreted.

Vince Cassar, the chairman of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and chief executive Johann Buttigieg said the circular was intended to do away with misinterpretation on what actually constituted “over development”.

At the same time, it was attempting to strike a balance between development and the environment.

The circular drew the ire of developers and architects who accused Mepa of changing the goalposts for development applications proposing residences instead of existing back gardens.

But according to Mepa’s senior officials, the circular did not change anything as the policies did not change.

Moreover, the Chamber of Architects received a draft version of the circular and did not raise any objections.

Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Michael Falzon said the circular was simply clarifying what already existed, giving better protection to those open spaces in the form of a group of backyards or back gardens threatened by development proposals.

Mepa was also restricting the use of basements and semi-basements for residential purposes, something he described as “nonsensical”.

Mr Buttigieg that apartments that were 30 metres deep had enough space for comfortable living and proposals for deeper plots would not be favourably considered.