Nature Trust (Malta) expressed concern that, according to reports in The Malta Independent and the Labour Party’s e-paper maltastar.com, people were being asked to apply to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for development on sites outside development zones areas.

It called on the authorities to immediately investigate the rumour and take immediate action, if true, to ensure that such abuse would not be tolerated.

Congratulating the Prime Minister on the election results, it now urged him to keep his word about reforming the Malta Environment and Planning Authority without further delay, and to ensure that equal weight is given to the environment on the boards where decisions are taken.