A decision on a planning application to build another storey on popular Sliema beach club Paradise Exiles has been put on hold in view of objections by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

Submitted by Chris Engerer, the father of former Labour MEP candidate Cyrus Engerer, the application is to build a basement storage room, a ground-floor kitchen and a first floor of 79 square metres.

The case officer has described the proposal as having a “detrimental effect” on the nearby Sliema fort and recommended it be rejected, saying it would negatively affect the strategic views of the Sliema tower and battery, scheduled as Grade 1 buildings and considered to be landmarks.

A planning commission which discussed the proposed development last week suspended taking a decision. The board minutes say: “Architect to provide, without prejudice to final decision, fresh plans to address reasons for refusal [by the case officer] and to obtain clearance from Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.”

The Sliema council and Environment Protection Directorate have also objected to the project.

The directorate said it “consists of over-intensification” and the development should be limited to the existing ground-floor level.

Similarly, the Planning Directorate Advisory Team described it as “excessive” and pointed out that the local plan limited extensions on the coast to minor works.

A former civil service sports club, Paradise Exiles covers an area of 260 square metres – a building of 83 square metres and a large open terrace.

The popular beach club, also known as the Shack, is owned by Mr Engerer.