The function of the planning authority's audit officer is not yet sufficiently appreciated by those running the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday.

Defending Audit Officer Joe Falzon's work, AD general secretary Ralph Cassar criticised the attacks levelled at Mr Falzon, first by the Prime Minister and then by Mepa.

"Mepa should start heeding Mr Falzon's admonitions and desist from justifying development at all costs. This attitude is not only damaging the environment but in the long run it is also harmful to the building industry itself," Mr Cassar said.

This week, Mr Falzon was criticised by the authority for publishing a critical report on the development of apartment blocks at Qala's belvedere.

The development application is still under appeal but environmental groups have criticised the permit because the new building would ruin the skyline. Last Sunday, Lawrence Gonzi criticised Mr Falzon for commenting on the findings of the court in the Mistra case.

The audit officer said he could not understand how private meetings between board members and developers could be deemed normal practice, insisting that they breached planning law.