The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has acted swiftly to ensure that the negative impact created by maintenance works carried out on the back part of Malta's oldest Cathedral will be reversed.

Following a report, in mid-July, that an enormous 'silver sheet' of paint was being applied to the back wall of this Grade 1 scheduled monument, the Authority promptly contacted the Mdina Cathedral Chapter to stop all illegal works.

In the beginning of August, in accordance with its legal obligations under the Development Planning Act, the Authority issued an enforcement notice ECF 517/07, obliging the Cathedral Chapter to submit within a 16-day period a full development planning application to reverse the impact caused by these illegal works. The application should include a method statement that will clearly specify what mitigation measures are going to be carried out.

The Mdina Cathedral is one of Malta's most prestigious and photographed landscapes. The Authority is committed to safeguard and protect this national monument.