Parking slots: MDA appeals to minister to grant transition period

The Malta Developers Association has criticised the “sudden, unilateral decision” taken by the Planning Authority to introduce a hefty increase in the contributions made by applicants of developments that do not provide the number of parking places indicated by its policies.

The PA last week announced that developers will have to pay considerably higher sums for lost parking spaces.

A three-tier rate system is being introduced, whereby a one car space not provided for on-site will cost the developer €2,500. From the third to the ninth car space not provided for on site, the developer will have to make a contribution of €6,000 per car space. From the tenth car space upwards a €10,000 contribution per car space will be imposed.

MDA yesterday said it was not against discouraging applicants from refraining to provide the necessary parking spaces and understands that such a motivation is justified, the association said in a statement. At the same time, it deplores the fact that this decision was taken without any consultation with interested parties.

MDA noted that these contributions are being levied indiscriminately – even when sites do not allow for parking areas, such as sites where rock excavation is not allowed for heritage reasons, restricted sites and sites with levels that are very near mean sea level. In these cases, the decision not to provide parking is motivated by circumstances beyond the developer’s control and therefore contributions for lack of parking provision should take this fact into consideration.

MDA said that the Planning Authority has been for many years levying contributions to offset the lack of parking provision and these funds have never been used for the purpose they were collected, i.e. the provision of public parking spaces in the areas where there is an evident need for them. This failure on the part of the Planning Authority should be addressed immediately.

In the circumstances, MDA appealed to the Planning Authority and to the Minister concerned to allow for a transitory period before these new levies are charged so that developers who have made commitments through existing agreements with property owners are given the chance to apply for development and be charged at the old rates.