I write concerning recent articles about a major modern development in the heart of our great heritage city of Valletta. The development in question is the conversion of an old building that was once inhabited by Mattia Preti.

I feel that, on behalf of the residents in the local area, we have a right to present our side of the story as a right to reply.

There is great opposition, mainly from residents of St Paul’s building and old theatre street/lane, because it is those dwellings that are hugely affected. What has not yet been mentioned is the close proximity of this development to St Paul’s building. Barely a three-metre-wide alley separates the two buildings and it is ludicrous that a five-storey building be built like this. This development will result in loss of light and ventilation for the residents of this building, as well as loss of the right to privacy, since guest rooms would be overlooking existing balconies.

The proposed development is an outright insult to us citizens and to the fabric of Valletta as a cultural heritage site.

Think on how many postcards and brochures St Paul’s building and its wonderful balconies appear. This urban landscape has so far stood the test of time and will be lost forever if this project is granted permission. This must surely affect Valletta’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it will surely set a precedent. Most of Malta has been ruined by overdevelopment – is anywhere now safe from thoughtless construction?

We would like to make it clear that we are not against the rehabilitation of Valletta, as long as it remains within the existing infrastructure.

■ Simon Debono

(on behalf of the residents

of St Paul’s building)