The room built on a Sliema townhouse. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Planned changes to a room built on a Sliema townhouse, which had sparked outrage among residents, are an improvement, according to a heritage expert.

Edward Said, who is an architect, said he saw the updated plans submitted to the planning authority and these “are acceptable”.

Mr Said was among those who harshly criticised the development after photos of the construction were circulated on the social media last August. Following the outrage, Planning parliamentary secretary Michael Farrugia asked the planning authority to investigate how the permit was issued and whether all the conditions had been observed.

Dr Farrugia confirmed that the room was not built according to approved plans and the planning authority board then decided to discuss the permit under a proviso that gives the authority the right to revoke permits in particular circumstances, such as when incorrect information has been submitted.

Mr Said explained the extra storey would now be recessed and the view from street level reinstated. “I’m satisfied with the amendments,” he said.

The planning board had received a recommendation to withdraw the permit, granted in 2012, after various breaches were discovered.