The Comino hotel project will be lowering density, reduce footprint and restore land, the developers insist in the wake of the appeal filed by various NGOs, contesting the Planning Authority's approval of the Comino hotel and bungalows.
The project entails redeveloping an already-built hotel and bungalow complex that has existed on Comino for decades. It will significantly reduce the built footprint by 8,200 square metres, remove obsolete infrastructure, and restore degraded land, HV Hospitality said.
This will result in a net increase in undisturbed land. Contrary to claims that public concerns were ignored, HV Hospitality said it has engaged in an extensive, transparent planning process over the past five years.
The Company has always listened to the expected scrutiny on this project; however, this must be based on the facts and not misconceptions and misrepresentations. The project has been scaled down substantially following rigorous environmental studies and stakeholder feedback. All studies have undergone judicial review and have been confirmed as valid and correct.
The number of bungalows was reduced from 21 units in the original plans to 16, and no development will take place on previously undisturbed land. The hotel has a lower guest capacity and will comply with the strictest environmental standards - working towards LEED certification, a globally respected benchmark for sustainable design and environmental performance.
HV Hospitality said it is committed to responsible stewardship of the site and continues to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders, to realise its vision for Comino - one that promotes lower-density and more sustainable tourism.
Ten organisations, along with several individuals, filed the appeal with the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) against "the shameful approval" by the Planning Authority (PA) of a 140-bed luxury hotel, 16 villas, and 44 swimming pools on Comino.
The appeal argues that this intensive development breaches the local plan and multiple policies, including those that designate Comino as a protected nature reserve.
This appeal was made possible thanks to the public's generous contributions to a crowdfunding campaign, which will enable us to pursue all possible legal avenues against this assault on Comino. The €20,000 target was reached through over 600 individual donations - clear evidence of the public's outrage at the Government's disregard for our natural heritage and its determination to resist, the NGOs said.
Despite receiving 13,472 objections, the PA ignored the overwhelming public outcry and Comino's protected status. If this project proceeds, Comino as we know it will be lost forever. One of Malta's last remaining relatively untouched natural sanctuaries risks being turned into yet another privately developed, urbanised zone, causing irreversible environmental harm.
Organisations
Azzjoni: Tuna Artna LuraBirdLife MaltaDin l-Art ĦelwaFriends of the Earth MaltaGħawdixMoviment GraffittiNature Trust - FEE MaltaRamblers AssociationThe Archaeological Society MaltaWirt Għawdex