In the event that, during the period of approval heretofore or hereafter granted to an application for development, the developer is barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from proceeding with the development otherwise permitted under such approval by a legal action instituted by any State agency, political subdivision or other party to protect the public health and welfare or by a directive or order issued by any State agency, political subdivision or court of competent jurisdiction to protect the public health and welfare and the developer is otherwise ready, willing and able to proceed with said development, the running of the period of approval under this chapter or under any provision repealed by this chapter, as the case may be, shall be suspended for the period of time said legal action is pending or such directive or order is in effect.