The Malta Developers Association said today that according to new regulations issued by Mepa, less land can effectively be developed where it was previously permissible. 

"This is the result of the new regulations which stipulate that no more building can be erected at a depth of 30 metres from the street and, when there is more space at the bottom of the site, no development can take place there," the MDA said.

"The prohibition of internal development continues to lessen the possibility that a substantial number of sites can be developed in this way."

The MDA said the possible building footprint in development zones has thus been reduced substantially to the detriment of landowners who now find that their land has less potential for development than previously and therefore, in some cases, the value of their property has been reduced.

"While the MDA understands and agrees that there should be spaces and green lungs among buildings, it draws attention that this is being done without compensating the owners of these properties."