PA extends development permits, introduces video conferencing

The Planning Authority has decided to extend by an additional three years all development permits which are still within their validity period but are due to expire on or before 31 December 2022.

The construction sector has been hit by the coronavirus crisis, with a lack of workers and the uncertainty of the situation leading developers to rush to start and finish their projects before the situation worsens. Residents who have been following health authority recommendations and staying at home have complained about increased activity at nearby construction sites. The extension is aimed at calming the sector and allowing development to proceed at a normal pace.

In a statement, the PA said the measure, “taken in the context of these extraordinary circumstances that the country is facing, is aimed at preventing current permit holders from having to carry out a significant amount of works within a short period, once normality is restored.”

The measure, which applies only to permits which are already in hand, will also ensure that the rights of those granted permits are safeguarded while at the same time will decrease the burden on the community, the PA said.

The extension will also facilitate the completion of small household projects, as well as larger businesses, while reducing the administrative burdens related to the renewal of development permissions already in force.

Importantly, it will help to avoid major disruptions which could lead to imbalanced construction across the island once the situation returns to normal.

Video conferencing for public meetings

In another statement, the PA announced that its public meetings will be held via video conferencing.

The measure is being taken in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The PA came under fire this week after it announced that previously suspended Planning Board and Planning Commission meetings would be held. The authority had previously announced that these public meetings were being suspended in view of the situation. Following backlash from NGOs, the PA said it would take a decision after consulting with the health authorities.

In a statement, the PA said public health takes precedence over all other priorities.

To this end, the Planning Authority will soon re-start Planning Board and Planning Commission public meetings using video conferencing. This has been decided following the publication of a legal notice which has amended the way public meetings are to be conducted.

An applicant, architect (perit), registered interested party and any member of the public will, at the discretion of the chairperson, be allowed to make submissions related to the case the board or commission will be discussing by electronic means.

Any member of the public who wishes to participate in the meeting held through electronic means will, at least one working day before the date of the meeting, notify the Board or Commission of their interest.

This measure is being introduced to allow the chairpersons of the Board or Commission to take any measures they deem appropriate to ensure the participation of the public.

No race against time - Minister

In a Facebook post, Environment and Planning Minister Aaron Farrugia said the PA is taking proactive measures to strike a balance between the environment and the wellbeing of the community, while supporting those who have a development permit, including families, enterprises and government entities.

The extension of permits, he said, will ensure that development is carried out over a longer period of time. The measure, he said, only applies to existing permits.

The extension will help in the completion of projects and will avoid a situation where contractors end up “racing against time” to complete their projects by existing deadlines. It will also avoid a situation where there is an imbalance in the construction sector with communities becoming filled with construction sites.

Also commenting on the introduction of video conferencing for PA hearings, Farrugia said public health takes priority over everything else.