The designs of the Barrakka lift kept going to the drawing board because of the imposing visual impact the concrete and metal structure would have on the capital city's fortifications, the planning authority said yesterday.

Reacting to Transport Minister Austin Gatt's scathing reprimand for delaying the project, the planning watchdog insisted it was not holding back the application.

The Times yesterday reported Dr Gatt saying it would be useless to issue a call for tenders for a scheduled ferry service in Grand Harbour unless the lift, connecting Lascaris Wharf and Upper Barrakka, was in place.

He blamed the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for delaying the project, saying four different designs had been submitted to satisfy its demands.

A Mepa spokesman expressed surprise at the minister's outburst and said it was crucial to appreciate the sensitive nature of this project - a 'spaceship-style' structure with three lifts and a staircase - located bang in the middle of the fortifications.

He told The Sunday Times everyone agreed in principle on the transport benefits the lift would bring. However, the superintendents of cultural heritage and fortifications were concerned about the design and the volume of the proposal, which led to changes.

"As Mepa we are doing our utmost in the best interests of heritage to find the best design. This is a relatively huge structure and it is fundamental that if in 20 years' time it has to be removed, this can be done without damaging the bastions of a Unesco World Heritage Site," the spokesman said.

This sentiment was echoed by Superintendent for Cultural Heritage Anthony Pace who said the proposed project posed a huge dilemma for Mepa.

"We have made our position clear. We are in favour in principle, but are not too sure whether the design is appropriate," Mr Pace said.

Of particular concern were the huge footprint, volume and impact it would have on the ditch and its high visibility, especially from the Vittoriosa side.

"The main issue is how to reconcile the design with the needs of Valletta and the regeneration of the harbour, which is extremely important, since without proper access there cannot be proper regeneration," he said.

The parties involved were looking at finding a design that did not jeopardise the value of Valletta.

"I don't know if it's the case of exploring other solutions," Mr Pace said.

The proposal to rebuild the vertical lift, constructed in 1905 to connect the lower part of Valletta with the heart of the city, has been on the drawing board for years.

In March last year, Dr Gatt had announced the €2 million project would be completed by March 2011, a deadline that looks set to be missed.

The proposed lift has three panoramic cabins and can take up to 1,000 people an hour, which would be an ideal mode of transport for cruise liner passengers.

The Barrakka lift stopped functioning in 1970 and was dismantled by the government in 1983.