The processing of development applications submitted to Mepa will be overhauled as from January 1, when a new system comes into force.

Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco said today that, as part of the Mepa reform, a mandatory pre-screening process would be introduced and applicants would be told what documents and studies were needed. Applications would also be classified as being simple, complex or major. Each of the classifications would be accompanied by a set time frame within which Mepa would take its decisions.

The pre-screening stage will take a maximum of four weeks. Applicants would also be told, through a sanction letter, whether their applications were acceptable or not and what changes would be needed to make them acceptable. Eligible applicants would then submit a formal application for a permit.

The details of the new system are to be spelled out in a legal notice due to be published tomorrow.

Dr de Marco said the period of objection to development applications is to be raised to 20 days from the current 15.

Applicants would, as at present, be required to affix a site notice of their proiposed development. However, in terms of the new law, they would also need to inform their neighbours by registered letter, of their plans.

It will not be possible for people to have certain illegalities sanctioned, particularly if they are in Outside Development Zones (ODZs) or in protected areas.

In sensitive areas, such as ODZs and urban conservation areas, among others, permits issued by Mepa would be held in abeyence for 30 days, during which an appeal can be filed. Furthermore, no building can take place while an appeal is under consideration.

Dr de Marco said the system of reconsiderations would be stopped, except with regard to conditions attached to a permit. Reconsideration of an application which would have been refused would no longer be possible. However this does not preclude an appeal.

Dr de Marco said the new full time boards to replace the current Development Control Commissions will start their work as from December 14 and the new Appeals Board will start to function from January 1.

Replying to questions on the fees structure, Mepa chairman Austin Walker said the new structure, which came into force on July 14, had had no sigificant impact on the number of development applications, Mepa expects to end this year with 200 more applications than last year's total.

Dr de Marco also said that the government was considering a cap on tariffs for development permits. The tariffs are currently based on the size of the developments.