Building amnesty plan comes under fire

A proposed amnesty for development irregularities predating the 2008 planning reform has been criticised by architects and planners’ bodies. The Nationalist Party proposal would extend an already existing amnesty on courtyard irregularities to entire buildings, provided the infringements are not serious and of no disturbance to neighbours or third parties. Owners would pay a “proportionate” fine to their local council and in exchange see their properties fall in line with the law. Those who spoke to The Times were broadly supportive of the idea, concerns about vague wording and amnesty cut-off dates meant they were tepid about the proposal. “It’s a good idea on paper, especially for buildings constructed before the planning authority was established, but there are so many subjective clauses it’s hard to endorse,” Malta Developers’ Association president and former PN minister Michael Falzon said. “What constitutes a ‘serious’ irregularity, for instance?” There are thousands of buildings with planning irregularities across the country. Many are near-impossible to sell, with banks unwilling to lend money for such purchases. Those who favour the PN proposal believe it is the closest...