Din l-Art Ħelwa has accused the government of lagging behind with its promise to reform the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, amid an "unacceptable" number of planning applications and decisions.

The NGO highlighted the public outcry over the state of the environment on recent issues such as a new development in Baħrija, a high-rise complex at Mistra Village, a permit for an event in a Natura 2000 site in Mistra and an apartment block in a villa area in Balzan.

"These are examples of the inconsistent planning decisions and ignoring the good practice that have damaged our islands for so many years," DLĦ said.

It said that last year the Prime Minister had pledged to take this issue in hand and to introduce reforms that would ensure that Mepa lived up to its mission to protect the urban and natural environment, while allowing for sustainable development.

The government must implement the necessary Mepa reform without delay and clearly show its commitment to controlling relentless over-development, the NGO said. Until the reform was implemented, Mepa must ensure that all its decisions favoured the protection of the environment.