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 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 'fortizza'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 applicant has to submit fresh plans to address the reasons for refusal.

The Sliema council and Environment Protection Directorate have also objected to the project. The directorate said it viewed the development as “over-intensification” andit should be limited to the existing ground-floor level. The Planning Directorate Advisory Team described it as “excessive” and pointed out that the local plan limited extensions on the coast to minor works.