The Prime Minister yesterday joined the controversy which has mired Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando in Labour Party claims that, if proved, would severely dent his environmental credentials, by writing to the auditor of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and calling on him to investigate.

The inquiry would be into an application for the development of an open air entertainment facility in pristine Mistra, on land owned by Dr Pullicino Orlando.

Lawrence Gonzi called on the auditor to investigate application PA5880/05 according to article 17C of the Planning and Development Act.

Dr Pullicino Orlando has said the land he owns in Mistra is rented out to others who made the application, and whom he does not “even know”. Mepa’s communications officer has said that outline PA5880/05 was submitted in October 2005. Subsequently the Malta Tourism Authority made an outline application for the embellishment of Mistra Bay.

PA5880/05 was approved by the Development Control Commission board last November but, according to The Malta Independent on Sunday, for development to begin the next step would be the approval of the full development application. But for this to be considered Mepa would first have to approve the MTA application. This has not been done so far.