The planning authority has more than 4,000 pending complaints about illegalities that it has not started investigating, according to CEO Johann Buttigieg.

Mr Buttigeig blamed the delay on lack of resources in the enforcement section while answering questions on the proposed separation of Mepa’s functions into two planning and environment authorities.

He said the enforcement section would be strengthened to address concerns the split may increase tolerance of illegal development. 

He explained the enforcement directorate currently had three officers working on outside development zone (ODZ) complaints.

“Our aim is to have 12 enforcement officers in the coming year, in addition to the inspectors coming in from the Building Regulations Office who will be transferred here,” he said.

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