The planning authority will this morning decide whether to approve plans to close off the area adjacent to Upper Barrakka’s saluting battery in Valletta.

Heritage society Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna wants to demolish the café there and instead rebuild a small room that served as the Master Gunner’s quarters during the colonial era.

The room and the area around it will then be cordoned off as part of what FWA chairman Mario Farrugia described as “a multi-period heritage park spanning 400 years of history”, open to paying visitors.

But cafe owner Martin Baron insists the proposal is nothing but a ploy to close the area off to the public and turn it into a cash-cow outdoor reception venue.

NGOs Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and the Ramblers’ Association have also objected, saying the building FWA wants rebuilt has no historical value and that, if approved, the plans would prevent public access.

The Times asked some residents what they thought of the plans.

Michael Mercieca hoped that the area would remain freely accessible.

“The café itself isn’t the prettiest structure but I’d much rather have the area open to the public than closed off as some sort of museum,” he said.

Norman Shaw, who plans to contest Valletta council elections on a Labour Party ticket, said he was outraged by the proposal.

“Most of us don’t have fabulous views of the Grand Harbour and this is one of the few spots where people can enjoy them. The saluting battery has already been closed off, why block the rest too?” Dr Shaw said.

But Doris Busuttil was more receptive to the idea. “It might be nice to have the old Master Gunner’s quarters there again and it might draw more tourists. But I can see both perspectives. I feel sorry for whoever ends up losing,” she said.

The hearing is set to take place at 10am at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority offices in Floriana.