Marsamxett residents have been given two extra months to apply for a scheme which will fully refund them the cost of restoring their balconies. 

The Planning Authority scheme, which will now end on March 31, offers a 100 per cent refund of costs related to fixing traditional timber or wrought iron balconies for homes in the Valletta neighbourhood.

Most balconies in the area are traditional closed Maltese balconies ranging in size from small three-panel ones to a massive one featuring a staggering 28 panels.

Around €2 million was made available for Marsamxett balcony restorations when the scheme was launched late last year by the PA and parliamentary secretariat for EU funds. 80 per cent of the grant scheme will be paid for by EU funds, while the remaining 20 per cent will be covered by the Planning Authority's Irrestawra Darek initiative.

Apart from restoration or replacement costs, funds can also be used to cover architects’ fees up to €500, scaffolding costs and the costs of installing double glazing windows.

To date, over 65 applications have been submitted for residential properties in Marsamxett to benefit from this funding initiative. Most of the balconies (92) are closed while just over a third (38) open. The traditional closed balconies vary in size with the smallest having not more than 3 panels on the front and the longest one having a staggering 28 panels.

Works undertaken must be backed by receipts to be reimbursed and must have been undertaken after November 1, 2018.