HV Hospitality said that it welcomes the decision taken by the Court of Appeal on the Comino Project this week which, the company said, ”re-confirms the adequacy and good standing of the environmental studies carried out so far.”

The company said in a statement on Thursday that ”the environmental studies carried out to date on the proposed development have been confirmed as correct by the Environment and Resources Authority, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, and now by the Court of Appeal.”

HV Hospitality stated ”that it takes Natura 2000 responsibilities very seriously and is investing in the redevelopment of the Comino hotel and bungalows not only on a smaller footprint than the existing buildings but also through the use of materials, technology and design which are compatible with the Natura 2000 status of the sites.”

The company insisted that ”contrary to the claims made by the objecting NGOs, this project will increase the protected garigue habitat and reduce the land taken up from the coastline.”

The NGOs had argued that ”the ERA had given its seal of approval to the development of a high-end village on this Natura 2000 site even though it would entail substantial excavation, the destruction of extensive protected garrigue habitat, and significant environmental impacts to flora and fauna, including the marine environment.”

Áccording to the NGOs, Hili Group’s proposal would see ”year-round disturbance at what would effectively be a commercial village instead of what is currently a tranquil environment, especially during less touristic months.”

The NGOs said that they intend to challenge the application with the PA and other fora.

HV Hospitality claimed that ”this project will restore over 8,244 sqm of built-up area back to its natural state through an unprecedented regeneration process involving, among others, more than 55,000 endemic trees, shrubs and plants.”

HV Hospitality added that it ”has partnered with Six Senses precisely to ensure that the site does not turn into a commercial village but into a carefully maintained and protected eco-luxury resort that can help Malta take a big step towards low-impact quality tourism.”

HV Hospitality concluded by saying that it ”now looks forward to a decision by the Planning Authority. It remains open to dialogue with the NGOs.”

Photo: HV Hospitality

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