Gozo Bishop, Mgr Mario Grech has said that, "It is unfair that the Church is criticised for seeking to improve facilities for parishioners while other developments are granted permission."

Speaking during his homily to mark the Santa Marija feast, Mgr Grech said, "Hotels and other structures are being developed while spiritual sanctuaries, cemeteries and projects to enhance accessibility to churches are being denied permits because some people are arguing they are an environmental disaster."

Mgr Grech went on to say that he advises the clergy to abide by the country's laws and the instructions they are given by the publicly funded civil authorities when putting forward a proposal, in order to avoid damaging the nation's environmental heritage.

The Bishop added that the environment was being damaged and everybody had a duty to defend it. The Church, he said, encouraged people to do this.