Filenews 20 April 2024
The construction of a complex of 69 luxury residences within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Peyia, at the location "Meletis", at the entrance of Akamas from Laras Street, was proposed on behalf of PMI Peyia Mare Investment Ltd and Golden Island Homes Investments Ltd. The development area falls within the tourist zone T3b, near the Akamas National Forest Park.
PMI Peyia Mare Investment Ltd and Golden Island Homes Investments Ltd have submitted an application for a Town Planning Permit for a Master Plan. The project concerns the construction of 69 two-storey residences with an underground floor and swimming pool. Also, a two-storey "club house" will be built with a basement floor, which will include common areas on the ground floor and two apartments on the first floor. Finally, an internal private road network and an urban wastewater treatment plant (biological station) will be constructed. The treated wastewater from the biological station will be used for irrigation of the residential gardens during the summer months, while in winter it can be available for irrigation of crops in the wider area, according to the discharge permit of the urban wastewater treatment plant that must be secured before its commissioning. The total construction time of the proposed project is estimated at 12 months, while the construction cost is estimated at up to €100 million.
In the wider area there is the Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation (SAC) area and the Special Protection Area (ZEP) Akamas Peninsula. The total area of the plots is 101,315 sq.m., of which 28,825 sq.m. fall within the Natura 2000 Network. Part of the plots of the study area fall within the Natura 2000 Network and specifically in the SPA and SAC "Akamas Peninsula", while on the west side the proposed project abuts the state forest "Agios Georgios" which is located within the aforementioned areas of the Natura 2000 network.
For this development, an Environmental Study, a Special Ecological Assessment Study, as well as an Environmental Lighting Study, due to the proximity of the project to the Natura 2000 Network areas, was carried out by the design office I.A.CO Environmental & Water Consultants Ltd.
At the same time, a public pedestrian street will be constructed, although it is not part of the project under development but was requested by the Municipality of Pegeia during the process of preparing a Land Division Permit Application, the relocation of the registered path that crosses from the middle the part of the plots intended for development, to the boundaries of the Natura 2000 area. The 6m wide public pedestrian walkway will be located mainly within the Natura 2000 Network and will be adjacent to the plots where the residential development will take place. The internal road network of the project will be constructed within the part of the plots that are outside the Natura 2000 Network.
Within the framework of the Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Akamas National Forest Park, at the entrance within the national forest park in the area of Aspros Potamos, which is located 100 meters northeast of the development under study, the construction of a visitor service infrastructure hub is planned. The area of the infrastructure hub will have an entrance to the park, a viewpoint, an information point, a parking area (for vehicles and bicycles), a bicycle rental point, a refreshment shop, a souvenir shop and toilets. A bus stop will also be installed, allowing buses from surrounding communities to approach the area. The hub will be served by a visitor transport vehicle on designated routes of the park and will provide the opportunity to visit the southern part of the National Forest Park. In addition, since the area attracts large numbers of visitors, there will seemingly be a need to create a larger parking space, outside the existing space at the entrance of the White River.
30% of the tourist zone unexploited
The existing developments in the tourist zone T3b in the area of Agios Georgios-Meleti consist of approximately 60 villas, and a 1* 60-bed hotel unit, under the name "West End Hotel". Percentages of 25-30% of the total area of the tourist zone (excluding the Natura 2000 Network) have not yet been developed. Within the aforementioned zone and close to the proposed project, applications have been made for planning permission for seven more projects.
The existing developments in the T2b tourist zone, at a distance of 1 km from the proposed project, consist of approximately 100 villas and a club house. Also, south of the study area and at a distance of approximately 1.5 km from the southernmost examined plot, construction works have recently been completed concerning a 5*, 168-bed hotel unit, under the name "Cap St George Beach Club Resort".
Measures to protect turtles from lighting
A study dealing exclusively with the issue of lighting for the residential development project within the Akamas Peninsula, in the Municipality of Pegeia, has been conducted on behalf of investors. Within this framework, the research analyzes the possible environmental impact of artificial lighting and presents the prevention and protection measures of the flora and fauna of the wider area. This report focuses on proper lighting design to limit the impact on the area, but mainly analyses the adaptation of growth during the nesting of the turtles in the area. On the west coast of Cyprus and mainly in the areas of Lara and Toxeftra, two species of turtles breed, which are priority species according to Directive 92/43/EEC, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas).
The study proposes four measures and methods of catalytic and zero reduction of luminescence.
First: It is proposed to plant trees within the plot in order to have zero visual contact with the light sources. The solution is recommended where it obstructs each light source and at the same time does not cut off the view of the users as the view from the side of the houses to the sea has been examined. The study suggests Cyprus Cypress, in intense density next to each other. Additional alternative proposals can be a green wall. The present study proves that with the right tree planting, the right tree density and the proposed height, at the right point of the project we achieve zero visibility from the beaches of Lara and Toxeftra.
Second: It is recommended to follow lighting practices inside and outside the house at the same time. The measures aim to reduce luminescence emission from homes and the project as a whole to the greatest extent through good lighting practices. At the same time, a lighting control system is proposed, automation that will contribute catalytically to the additional reduction of luminescence.
Third: Suggestions for materials inside and outside the home in order to limit reflections. The aim is to further reduce the emission of lighting from the houses to the beach.
Fourth: It is proposed to implement an automation system for all villas. The automation system should handle lighting at 50% of its total intensity and be locked.
