The need for good governance at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has been stressed by Din l-Art Helwa.

In a statement the environmental group said that there continued to be far too many applications which were approved against Mepa’s own policies and good practice, such as that relating to the construction of a new building at Bahrija.

"The application not only goes against the principle of restricting new residential development outside the development zone, but the location of the building also endangers a rare endemic species of fresh-water crab that still survives in that area – and which Mepa is duty bound to protect.

"Din L-Art Helwa demands to know how this application was approved when it blatantly goes against so many planning policies. If planning is to be taken seriously then the whole culture within the planning process needs to change," it said.

Din l-Art Helwa said that clear policies, and consistent and transparent application of these policies, was the only way through which Mepa could regain its moral authority and attempt to save what was left of Malta’s fast dwindling natural and cultural assets.