'Absolute' authority

The report on December 6 regarding the denial by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority of Mellieha residents' claims puts a lot more than the denial into perspective.

Leaving aside the question of transparency (or possible lack thereof) of the proceedings, it seems to me that Mepa has the "authority" to decide on the fate of carob trees (!) and rubble walls(!) en masse.

It also seems that Mepa is deluded in believing that "ensuring" that the developers "plant a large amount of trees" would make up for the possible severe disturbance of the habitat in that particular area. In any case "who" would see to it that the developer actually does nurture such trees? Incidentally, what other nuggets of our culture (and heritage) does Mepa have the "authority" to remove?

While I recognise that it seems that the residents are concerned about their own homes (which they have every right to be) I would like to express my consternation at Mepa's expressed wish for the law courts to effectively silence and ignore the protests of the residents. Does Mepa also have the "authority" to bypass their democratic right to be heard and noticed?