I am writing with reference to the article by Astrid Vella, entitled Sliema's Baroque House (January 12). The facts of the matter are as follows:

Following a rigorous planning process, an outline development permit was issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for the re-development of this house in Ghar il-Lembi Street, Sliema. The outline permit was issued following an endorsement by Mepa's Heritage Advisory Committee and members of the Development Control Commission. These committees are composed of highly qualified professionals and experts, who are well-versed in architectural heritage. Are we to assume that these architects, historians and other experts have all gone astray and that Ms Vella is the only credible self-proclaimed expert on the subject?

As has been amply demonstrated in other sections of the printed media, Ms Vella's so-called historical evidence is seriously flawed in that it does not relate to the property in question. This notwithstanding, Ms Vella persists in her pet myth of pioneering the existence of baroque architecture in Sliema, akin to the lost city of Atlantis.

Although she claims that she has no personal interest in the matter, she has made a crusade out of this building and was nowhere to be seen or heard when far more architecturally significant buildings in Sliema were being demolished.

Ms Vella has through the printed media been blatantly trying to misguide and mislead both the public and those officials responsible for ensuring a fair planning process of the said application.

It is a pity that the media have given carte blanche to Ms Vella to propagate her fictional conjectures that this house has baroque attributes. I am willing to provide various certifications by credible experts on the subject that this house has none of the characteristics to which she alludes in her article.

Ms Vella should refrain from continuing to misinform the public and distorting the true facts of the case, and as the developer I will hold her responsible for all damages sustained and any disrepute to my reputation.