Alternattiva Demokratika has proposed splitting the Malta Environment and Planning Authority into two authorities, one focusing on planning and the other on the environment.

Speaking in Floriana, AD chairman Harry Vassallo said the operations of these authorities should be continuously monitored by a parliamentary committee.He said Parliament could only be an effective watchdog on public authorities if AD gained a seat at the next election and formed part of a coalition government.Dr Vassallo said that residents and people living around potential sites should have a greater say about developments in their neighbourhood.

He insisted that the days of bulldozer tactics by developers or by the Government must come to an end and that important decisions affecting the lives of thousands of people should be taken by the residents themselves.

AD spokesman of sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said residents should have the right to vote on all large development projects which are subject to an environment impact assessment procedure following a demand by 10 per cent of residents, or a local council.

"In this way the influence of developers and speculators can be reduced as can their need to finance political parties," Mr Cacopardo said.