The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) determined 596 applications in April and received 733 new applications. The net pending caseload at the end of the month was 4,580.

During April, the Mepa processed 61 notifications of development which, according to the Development Notification Order 2001, do not require a formal application.

During the same month, 82 stop and enforcement notices were issued, 65 in Malta and 17 in Gozo.

In April 2006, 33 enforcement cases were closed: 25 cases were sanctioned by the issue of a sanctionable permit, while another eight cases were resolved since owners decided to remove illegal development and comply with enforcement notices.

The 11 cases received at the complaints office were resolved without the need of enforcement action, since owners complied with instructions given by Mepa Enforcement Officers.

During the month of April, Mepa carried out one direct action operation.