Reference is made to Joan De Maria’s letter entitled “Mepa and the handling of building permits” in which she states that Mepa turned a blind eye to her report and complaint regarding planning permit PA7683/06 (TMIS, 25 July). The facts of the case are as follows.

Reference is made to Joan De Maria’s letter entitled “Mepa and the handling of building permits” in which she states that Mepa turned a blind eye to her report and complaint regarding planning permit PA7683/06 (TMIS, 25 July). The facts of the case are as follows.

A complaint was made in May 2010 that the shaft at the back of a property covered by PA7683/06 was overlooking the complainant’s yard and was not built according to the permit. A site inspection carried out by the Enforcement Section reported that the shaft, while permitted, was not built as planned. However, this change is one, which is rectifiable through the process of a minor amendment, as envisaged in the Development Planning Act and, as such, does not require work to be stopped. Up until that point, there was no reason for a Stop and Enforcement Notice to be issued. This issue was regularized through the normal legal and planning channels of the minor amendment process on 9th June.

On 28th July, following Ms De Maria’s letters to the press, a further inspection was carried out. Certain work on site was not constructed according to the approved permit but according to the proposals laid out in a Planning Application (PA2604/10) still being processed by the directorate. As such, a Stop and Enforcement notice was issued (ECF 450/10).

It is pertinent to point out that, contrary to allegations made in the letter, the Enforcement Section did take the necessary steps to regularise the development. Had there been registered objectors to the application PA7683/06 and now PA2604/10, they would have been notified by Mepa so that they could view the plans and comment on them. Furthermore, all permits are issued by Mepa, saving third party rights, and it is then up to the third parties to activate.

While one does understand the aggravation caused by bullies and wrongdoers, Mepa operates within the limits of the laws at its disposal.

Peter Gingell

Mepa Communications Office