This planning authority this morning postponed a decision to restore the Manoel Theatre façade to its 1731 glory pending further consideration of the proposals made.

Architect David Drago applied for permission to restore the theatre's façade, rearrange the ground floor seating and carry out minor internal alterations.

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Mr Drago told the board this morning that the management had looked at the 1734 Cabreo de Vilhena, a register of properties which showed the façade at the time before coming up with its plans.

The problem was that the later paintings did not match the Cabreo façade, which had included columns which were not seen in the paintings, even though it is historically known that the façade underwent several interventions in the early 19th century.

The restoration proposal was for the construction of a hardstone cladding in front of the central portal area  in line with the Cabreo plans but without the columns.

The restoration would be done in cladding, limitedly to the central portal area. The rest of the façade would be fully restored with Maltese limestone using tradition techniques since there was non controversy of its original appearance.

Asked why it was being proposed that the restoration be carried out in hardstone, rather than limestone, considering that the theatre was a Grade 1 scheduled building in an urban conservation area, Mr Drago said this was to create a contrast between what was being altered and what was not.

The board this morning also approved amendments to the Sliema Car Park to include more parking spaces as well as a restaurant, a cocktail bar and a lounge area.