The Irrestawra Darek grant scheme was closed prematurely today after an overwhelming response, the Planning Authority said. 

Since the scheme opened on 16 January, over 800 requests were submitted, exhausting the entire €8 million which was pledged towards the scheme. 

The majority of applications (64) were for Grade 1 or 2 properties in Sliema. The second and third most applications were for Zebbug and Valletta properties with 48 and 46 applications respectively.            

"When a scheme closes early, it shows that there is a thirst for that scheme," Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Processes, Dr Deborah Schembri, said.

From the applicants, 327 were first time buyers, who purchased an old property within an Urban Conservation Area (UCA). First time buyers were eligible to apply for a rebate which covered 70% of the costs of restoration and conservation works, carried out both on the façade and the interior of the property, up to a maximum of €10,000. The other applicants owned private residences, and they are eligible to receive a rebate for restoration and maintenance on facades of old properties.

35% of applications were for Grade 1 properties, which categorises buildings ‘of outstanding architectural or historical interest that shall be persevered in their entirety’. 65% of applications were for Grade 2 properties, which categorises ‘buildings of some architectural or historical interest or which contribute to the visual image of an Urban Conservation Area’.

Dr Schembri said that the response to this particular scheme, which was meant to close on 30 April, shows that “we have a certain pride with buildings in our conservation areas”.

Exective Chairperson of the Palnning Authority Mr Johann Buttigieg said that in the coming weeks the process to decide which applicants will benefit from this scheme will begin.