PA launches €1m scheme for protected scheduled Grade 1 and 2 buildings

Owners of residential scheduled Grade 1 or 2 buildings will be able to restore the façade of their property and receive a 100% refund for the works, after the Planning Authority (PA) announced that it will be making €1m available for such properties.

Unlike previous Irrestawra Darek schemes, the authority said it has introduced a lottery system resulting in the removal of the first-come first-served system. Interested applicants will not need to involve an architect at this early stage and can simply submit their interest in benefitting from the scheme either by applying online or visiting the PA offices.

Every submission will be given an exclusive number and placed in a carousel. All numbers will be extracted in a public draw and listed in sequential order. The draw will be held at the PA offices in Floriana. Successful applicants will be notified to contact their architect and start the process for the submission of a formal application, which will include the submission of a restoration method statement and a bill of quantities.

The authority said it will reimburse all eligible restoration works carried out, subject that the amount does not exceed €15,000. The refund will also include up to €800 for eligible professional service charges (including periti fees) and €200 for the local council permit fees.

Oliver Magro, executive chairperson of the Planning Authority said “owners of scheduled buildings carry a high responsibility to ensure that their property does not incur damages and is maintained. We are aware that for some owners this may be a burden. We consider it to be our obligation to assist and support owners of residential scheduled properties to upkeep these valuable and unique properties for generations to come”.

Eligible works include, among others, specialist cleaning (not sandblasting, power washing or chipping) of the façade, repair/replacement of doors, apertures or traditional timber/masonry/wrought iron balconies and the replacement of aluminium/PVC with traditional materials. Residential owners of scheduled Grade 1 & 2 properties may submit their interest until Wednesday, 6 December, 12:00 (noon). The draw will be held on Monday, 11 December at 9am.

The funds for this and other similar schemes made available by the PA come from the fees it generates from the regularisation applications. The regularisation application process provides property owners with the opportunity to regularise existing non-conformant developments located mainly within the development boundaries or Category 1 settlements, which existed prior to 16 August 2016.