Seven environmental NGOs yes-terday said they would file a formal request for the controversial Qala Ridge permit to be withdrawn.

The organisations expressed regret at the reaction of the Malta Envir-onment and Planning Authority chairman following a detailed report by audit-officer Joe Falzon over the permit granted for the development.

The organisations - Ramblers' Association, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth, Nature Trust, Din l-Art Ħelwa, GAIA, and the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement - said they were "surprised and dismayed" at the chairman's criticism of Mr Falzon, who they maintained was "performing his duty with zeal".

The Mepa audit officer had criticised Mepa for having issued permits for development along a ridge in Qala overlooking the Gozo-Comino Channel, saying that while the local plan was vague over the issues involved, the Development Control Commission should have exercised better discretion in defence of the environment.

The NGOs said they considered the chairman's declaration "a poor attempt to divert attention from the real issue at stake", which should have been addressed by him.

The NGOs said they would be submitting a formal request to the Prime Minister and the Mepa chairman to investigate the anomaly that would be created if the development permit was not withdrawn.