Developers may be able to pay fees in two instalments

Developers landed with hefty planning fees may be given the opportunity to spread payment over two instalments, Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia said. Mepa fees were slashed by an average of 25 per cent earlier this month, in line with one of the Government’s electoral pledges. Larger developments stand to benefit most from the cuts, with planning and demolition fees capped at €500,000 and €2,000 respectively. The Government also wants to fast- track permit processing for developments which adhere to planning policies and guidelines, although Dr Farrugia admitted that details had yet to be ironed out. Under the proposals, applications deemed to be in line with local plans and planning policies would only undergo preliminary vetting before being signed off by a case officer. More details in The Times.