Malta’s capital may be “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world” in UNESCO's words, but its prestigious World Heritage status may be at risk, as plans for an 11-storey structure in SmartCity have just been approved by the local Planning Authority, despite warnings by cultural watchdogs.

I know what you’re thinking. SmartCity isn’t even in the capital, so what has it got to do with Valletta's UNESCO status? Well, the new SmartCity project (which will consist of 400 residential units and a large commercial and retail area) will be so high that it is feared that they will compromise the views and vistas of our beloved Valletta, along with the surrounding scheduled fortifications. This could, in turn, affect Valletta’s UNESCO status, and its “outstanding universal value.” According to UNESCO, development pressures will result in “the increase of building heights, which is not always consistent with the city’s profile” and skyline.

The previous master plan had set a seven-storey limit for buildings on the site, with the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage strongly insisting it be respected due to the impact of Valletta, although it would appear that the plea has fallen on deaf ears.

What do you think about Valletta’s UNESCO situation? Could the new development compromise its prestigious status?