Nine environment groups said this morning they will be holding a protest march to raise awareness on the “tragic” state of the planning authority.

The NGOs called on the public to join in a manifestation calling for a change in government attitude that puts developers' interests before residents rights. 

In a press conference, Din L-Art Helwa president Simone Mizzi said the authority is playing to the interests of property developers and speculators.

The other NGOs involved are Birdlife Malta, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth, Moviment Graffiti, Greenhouse Malta, Malta Organic Agricultural Movement, Nature Trust Malta and the Rambles’ Association.

She criticised the decisions which led to the approval of an 800 apartment block in Mistra and another “block in San Gwann.

Ramblers Association spokesman Romano Cassar said there were not enough enforcement officers to process all reports. “They can’t do their job properly,” he said.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar spokeswoman Astrid Vella mentioned the “loopholes” in the law which always seemed to favour developers.

“If we can’t keep a handle on what is happening in our built up areas, can you imagine what will happen in the countryside,” she said.

The protest will be held on 30 November at 10.30am along Republic Street, Valletta.