The Planning Authority said it took immediate enforcement action after being informed about the pouring of cement on coastal rocks in Marsalforn, with works already underway to restore the site to its original condition.

In a statement published on Facebook, the authority said its enforcement officers acted as soon as they were notified of the situation.

"From the moment the Planning Authority was informed about the situation in Marsalforn, immediate action was taken by its enforcement officers, and within a short time work began to restore the site to its original state," the authority said.

It added that it "will continue to closely monitor the restoration works."

The statement comes after a coalition of Gozitan environmental and heritage organisations raised alarm over the incident, describing it as an "atrocity" and demanding answers from both the Planning Authority and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

The Coalition for Gozo, made up of Wirt Għawdex, Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex and Għawdix, published photographs showing cement apparently poured directly onto the natural coastal rock formation in Marsalforn.

The coalition said it had formally submitted questions to the Planning Authority and ERA, seeking clarification on whether the works had been authorised and how such an intervention was allowed to take place.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri also addressed the controversy, saying he had been informed about the works carried out in Marsalforn.

Camilleri said that if the works were found not to have been authorised, they would have to be removed.