Millions to be collected from compliance by illegal villas
The villas in question were built illegally on large tracts of land. By paying the proposed hefty fees the owners are being given the opportunity to convert their ‘dormant’ asset into a money maker.
The government will be proposing hefty fines running into the hundreds of thousands of euros for those wishing to regularise the situation of their villas, built in outside development zones, which makes them illegal.
MaltaToday can confirm that at least 70 villas can qualify for this compliance, which could possibly bring in just under 50 million euros.
The figure would be a Godsend to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, which has always registered millions in deficits.
The villas in question were built illegally on large tracts of land. By paying the proposed hefty fees the owners are being given the opportunity to convert their ‘dormant’ asset into a money maker.
The nationwide amnesty will also allow hundreds of illegal farm dwellings to rectify their position for a small amount. It will be wide-ranging and apply to every form of illegality.
There is one notable exception to the rule – the notorious Armier boathouses, built illegally on public land, will not be included in the amnesty.
MEPA will be giving six months to all those who would want to qualify for regularisation, after which they will be fined daily for non-compliance.
In an interview he gave to MaltaToday, planning parliamentary secretary Michael Falzon had vaguely referred to the possibility of an amnesty. Yesterday opposition leader Simon Busuttil said he agreed with an amnesty for small defaults but not for the larger offences.
The move is expected to create a stir with environmentalists who will question MEPA’s attitude in condoning illegal development. But it will be welcomed by those who have been unable to cash in on their illegality.
