The Malta Developers Association condemned the behaviour of the activists that disrupted Thursday's Planning Authority meeting during which an application for a petrol station was to be discussed.

The association said the meeting had been "undermined" by their action, and insisted that there should not be any illegal pressure on PA board members.

"Whatever the issue, all decisions need to be taken in serenity without any type of pressure," the MDA said, saying that just as it had always condemned developers who take the law in their hands, the rule of law should apply to everybody.

The manner in which these activists behaved excluded the possibility of a fair hearing

The association said that while it recognised their right to protest and have their voices heard, the manner in which these activists behaved excluded the possibility of a fair hearing.

Watch: PA board divided on Luqa petrol station, as activists storm meeting

MDA stressed that it had been against the policy proposed for petrol stations when this was open for public consultation while others did not realise how detrimental this policy would be to the environment.

It added, however: "While agreeing that some policies, including that on petrol stations, should be revised, MDA feels that one has to consider as well the rights of those who invest money in property and apply for development according to existing policies to ensure that there is no discrimination or injustice in their regard."

Thursday's meeting got off to a stormy start after activists protested loudly in the PA board room as they called on the authority to stop decisions on fuel stations until a promised policy review takes place.

The meeting was suspended but activists were then barred from re-entering, sparking a tense encounter.

In a tweet, Nationalist MP Karol Aquilina took aim at the developers' lobby, especially towards its president Sandro Chetcuti who is an advisor to the government on the construction industry. His tweet prompted a reply from contractor Michael Stivala.