The Malta Planning and Environment Authority has again failed in its commitment to the environment by issuing a permit for an outdoor party at Mistra, a designated buffer zone to a Natura site, environmental groups Din l -Art Helwa and Nature Trust said.

They recalled in a statement that this same site was subject to a major controversy before the last elections where the permit was withdrawn for an open air disco on the same site.

"By issuing the permit, is Mepa opening the way for more events to be held in this sensitive and ecologically important area," they asked.

The decision also confirmed the need for urgent reform whereby the authority had to stand up to its commitment to protect what little remained of Malta’s natural and historical environment, they said.

"This sad affair is compounded by the fact that the event is being organised by a candidate of a political party supposedly committed to the reform of Mep," the two groups noted.