The Planning Authority this morning gave the go-head for the rebuilding of the gunners' quarters on the bastions just outside the Upper Barrakka in Valletta, replacing a restaurant built 14 years ago.

With eight votes in favour and five against, the authority gave heritage group Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna the go-ahead to rebuild the Master Gunners' Quarters as part of a heritage trail.

Restaurant owner Martin Baron, who will lose his commercial operation, had objected to the project, claiming it was just a ploy to close off the area to the public and turn the space into a cash cow for the heritage NGO.

Residents and environmental groups objected to the project on the basis that it would block public access to the lower part of the gardens. 

The Master Gunner's Quarters were built by the British in 1870 but fell victim to wartime bombing in the 1940s.

FWA want the quarters rebuilt as the final piece in a multi-million restoration project incorporating the Saluting Battery and the Lascaris War Rooms underneath. All the areas will be linked, creating a multi-period heritage park spanning 400 years of history

FWA said the rebuilt quarters will house a small exhibition of artillery and uniforms, a cannon maintenance workshop, a small administration office and showers for officers who are performing the daily noon cannon salute.

The owner of the restaurant had claimed the quarters would be used to host weddings and other receptions – which the saluting battery already does. His claim was denied by FWA.

Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Aħjar said rebuilding the quarters would harm the Grand Harbour's visual integrity. Its representatives listed a number of Mepa regulations which they said were being over-ruled and questioned the fact that the Mepa Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee had initially stated that no building should be allowed on the bastion, with the position changing after meeting the FWA.