safety steps

CABINET NOTES – The Cabinet noted concerns from a number of residents in various communities where overgrown, abandoned private properties are posing health and safety concerns.

The Cabinet therefore examined and have asked the Development Control Authority (DCA) to enforce Section 47 of the Physical Planning Act which provides the DCA with the authority to issue Amenity Orders to private property owners, directing them to remove bushes and/or derelict properties that pose a health or security risk within 28 days’ Notice.

Failing which, the Authority will proceed with the cleaning and will bill the owner, as provided for under the Act.

Also discussed was a possible amendment to the legislation to provide for if an owner, having received the Notice of the intention of the DCA to remove the unwanted vegetation, pay land taxes, and dispose of the derelict property, does not respond, then the government may sell the land to cover costs that exceed 50% of the value of the land.