Environmental groups have demanded court action against a planning board which sanctioned the building of stables to an applicant whom the Malta Environment and Planning Authority auditor said was "rewarded" with sanctioning after breaching regulations.

The permit for the stables was issued in August 2009 but the NGOs now have a report by the auditor which states: "This is a classic example of how to reward a lawbreaker in his work to create environmental damage. Throughout the processing of the submitted applications, the applicant acted in bad faith," the auditor said.

"I recommend that the DCC (Development Control Commission) Division A assumes its responsibilities for approving a permit contrary to policy and acts accordingly," the auditor said.

The NGOs said the bungalow, complete with a side patio, was built illegally, along with another three in the area instead of a reservoir and stables, which are the only kind of structures allowed by planning laws in this tract of land, on the outskirts of Mosta.

Eventually, Mepa was alerted that the reservoirs had metamorphosed into pretty bungalows and other illegal structures and action was taken in 2008. At that point, three of the owners applied for sanctioning. Their requests were sent to the main board where they are still waiting for a decision.

The fourth, however, applied to have the bungalow, which was supposed to be a reservoir, turned into stables.

The authority's heritage committee objected strongly.

"The only permits issued for this site are for an underground reservoir and a pump room. The existing structure is therefore illegal. The sanctioning of illegal buildings is highly objectionable and cannot be recommended," the committee said.

However, the board chose to approve the application.

The NGO grouping, which includes Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth, Nature Trust and the Ramblers Association, said in a statement they were dismayed and demanded resignations and court action.

"The NGOs support the auditor's implication that the DCC should resign and the permit rescinded. However, board resignations are no longer enough," the statement said, calling for disciplinary action, preferably through the courts.

"The public has looked on silently for too long while our heritage is destroyed by the very officials who are employed to protect it."

A spokesman for Mepa said the authority had kept the enforcement case open on this matter to make sure the site was really turned into stables with horses inside. "If this does not happen, we will take action," he said.

He also pointed out the structure would be altered to look more like a stable and less like a bungalow. "The place needs to house horses and should be altered accordingly," he said.

Beyond the strong language on this particular case, the NGOs actually praised the current changes at Mepa, saying they were pleased the reform was picking momentum with the Mepa Reform Act in place.

The environmental arm of the authority was being strengthened with 45 staff members, the NGOs pointed out, adding that a policy was being developed to coordinate the work of all ministries with environmental concerns.

"If this actually comes about, this would be a welcome change from the current situation where different ministries routinely violate environmental guidelines," the statement said.