Filenews 2 April 2021 - by Vasos Vassiliou
Protection of sandy areas with low vegetation (sand dunes), ask representatives of state agencies in case the development "ZARIA RESORT — GRANT HYATT LIMASSOL" takes place, in Pyrgos Limassol while the Federation of Environmental Organizations of Cyprus expresses increased reservations.
These concern not only the sand dunes but also the fact that while in the chosen tourist zone (T3b) three floors and a maximum height of 13.5 meters are allowed, it actually consists of a hotel unit, which includes two wings (east and west) that are 32.9 m high and consist of 9 floors. A spokesman for the Federation also indicated that in the east wing, in addition to the hotel unit, a residential development is proposed, namely a 16-storey tower. On this basis, the Federation considers that the proposed project falls within the category of tall buildings, for which the preparation of an appropriate specific spatial framework and the evaluation of the necessary Environmental Assessment Strategy were not preceded.
The project's scholar stated before the competent Commission that it is located in five blocks that fall within the administrative boundaries of the Limassol Pyrgos community, within the tourist zone T3b. He also said that it is 3 km south of the core of Pyrgos community, 15 km from the core of Limassol and 500 meters from the EAC power station of the Monastery.
As he said, it is a hotel unit and residences, 32.9 meters high, 9 floors and includes 300 rooms. He also said that in the east wing, in addition to the hotel unit, there is also residential development (tower) with 16 floors, totalling 66.80 meters and includes 40 apartments (9 one-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom apartments, 16 three-bedroom apartments and 1 penthouse). In addition, he clarified that both the hotel unit and the residential development have separate underground parking spaces.
Regarding the environment of the area he said the noise ranges between 50 and 55 db. It further stated that during the on-site visit to the area, a small number of trees/bushes and common vegetation and minimal common species of birdlife were identified.
In response to the various questions raised by members of the Commission, the scholar said, among other things, that no significant antiquities have been identified in the area.
With regard to groundwater, he recommended that it be pumped and channelled into recharging wells. It was also recommended to install a solid sedimentation tank.
He pointed out that the boundary of the nearest piece to the beach is 30 meters from the beach, and clarified that no impact is expected on the sand dunes located in the area. He also clarified that no pipelines will be placed towards the sea, and informed members that the large piece of land located in front of the coast is not the property of the company and therefore no construction will be done on the coastal area.
Concerns of representatives of government agencies
Representatives of state agencies expressed their concerns about the sand dunes that exist in the area and that need to be taken seriously. They said a quantitative assessment of the sand dune cover of the area and the state of the area should be made and the competent authorities confirm their situation.
It was also expressed that in addition to the sand dunes, plants included in the "red book" of Flora of Cyprus should also be protected".
Further requested as a repetitive field survey was done by the scholars to record the locations of the plants in the Red Book to determine how they are affected.
There was also a proposal to incorporate conditions for the conservation of sand dunes and to have labelling so that beach users are informed about the sand dunes.
At the same time, concerns were raised about the derogations from urban areas in terms of the number of floors.
The competent Commission has decided to request additional information and, in addition, to obtain the views of the Pyrgos community and the matter will be returned to the Commission.
