The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) determined 704 applications in January and received 826 new applications, the authority said yesterday. The net pending caseload at the end of the month was 4,782.

During January, the authority processed 51 notifications of development, which, according to the Development Notification Order 2001, do not require a formal application.

During the same month, 64 stop and enforcement notices were issued, 44 in Malta and 20 in Gozo.

In January 2007, 48 enforcement cases were closed, 35 in Malta and 13 in Gozo. A total of 40 enforcement cases were sanctioned by the issue of a sanctionable permit. Another seven cases were resolved since owners decided to remove illegal development and comply with enforcement notice. During the same month one enforcement case was withdrawn by Mepa.

Thirty-six 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 January, Mepa carried out five direct action operations; three in Zebbug, one in St Julian’s and another in Swieqi.