The option of recessing the new floors on the controversial eight-storey high building in Strait Street, Valletta is being discussed by the authorities in an attempt to reduce the negative visual impact on the capital’s skyline.

Setting back the new floors of the judiciary chambers is one of the options being “considered” in the discussions between the director general of the law courts and the planning authority, according to a Justice Ministry spokesman.

Initiated at the request of Justice Minister Chris Said, talks to find a “solution” were spread over several meetings and Dr Said “expects a final decision to be taken as early as next week”, the spokesman said.

The €1.8 million project towers over the neighbouring structures by at least three storeys of limestone and cement blocks. It has been slammed by the Chamber of Architects and heritage organisations that have expressed shock at the development.

Commissioned by the government, the works involved joining two houses in Strait Street and raising the structure to eight floors to house the judiciary’s chambers as well as a Drugs Court. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

When asked whether the discussions to modify the new floors would delay the project, the spokesman said the works were on schedule and that “only the restoration works on the facade of the lower floors remained”.

“The courts have now submitted the tender documents for the second and final phase of the project, which includes the finishing works. These still have to be approved and subsequently published. In other words, there is still ample time for any changes to the existing structure... before the tender is published,” the spokesman said.

The project is being followed by world heritage authority Unesco, which will be contacting the Maltese government for “information and comments”, especially since Valletta enjoys World Heritage status.

The project had been recommended for refusal by the planning directorate after the government submitted an application in 2001. However, the Development Control Commission overturned the recommendation and granted the permit after asking the developer to remove a bridge linking the new chambers to the law courts.