NGOs opposing Comino redevelopment vow to keep up legal challenge

A Court of Appeal has turned down environmental NGOs’ appeal over the adequacy of the Hili Group’s Appropriate Assessment Report for the Comino Hotel redevelopment which was given the thumbs up by Environment and Resources Authority.

NGOs opposing the hotel village proposed on Comino are vowing to fight on to save the islet from further commercialisation and over-construction.

“ERA gave 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,” the NGOs, in a statement from Moviment Graffitti, said.

Image provided by HV Hospitality

“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 – BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Moviment Graffitti, NatureTrust-FEE, and Ramblers intend to challenge the application before the Planning Authority and other fora.

“Comino is the last relatively pristine spot in the country. It is too precious to sacrifice on the altar of luxury development for the fe,” said an NGO representative.

HV Hospitality, the Hili Group subsidiary that is redeveloping the hotel, welcomed the decision by the Court of Appeal on the Comino Project.

“It reconfirms the adequacy and good standing of the environmental studies carried out so far. 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,” a spokesperson said.

HV Hospitality said the redevelopment of the Comino hotel and bungalows was taking place on a smaller footprint than the existing buildings.

“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. This project will restore over 8,244 sqm of built-up area back to its natural state through an unprecedented regeneration process involving, amongst others, more than 55,000 endemic trees, shrubs and plants,” the company said.

HV Hospitality said the site will not turn into a commercial village but an eco-luxury resort that will be an example of low-impact quality tourism. “HV Hospitality now  looks forward to a decision by the Planning Authority. It remains open to dialogue with the NGOs.”