Filenews 10 July 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The green light for further developments in the ambitious project created by Lanitis Golf Public Co. Ltd, Limassol Greens, has been secured by the Environmental Authority. The resort includes 750 residential developments with villas, houses and apartments, an 18-hole golf course of international standards, a state-of-the-art golf club, areas for commercial facilities, a wellness center and a fully equipped gym. A project of €500 million and for which sales already exceed €70 million. In two apartment buildings that include 52 two- and three-bedroom apartments, while three-, four- and five-bedroom villas and two- and three-bedroom maisonettes are already on the market, with excellent sales performance.
The new project, which was given environmental approval, is expected to cost €33 million. It includes three identical buildings of six floors (ground floor and 5 floors) and a basement level and will be flanked by an internal road network, outdoor landscaping including swimming pools and playgrounds, outdoor parking spaces. Each building will consist of 42 residential units (2- and 3-bedroom apartments) between the ground floor and the 5th floor, while in the basement there will be 42 private storage spaces, 29 car parks and 2 motorcycle parking spaces. It is estimated that 414 people will reside. The population of the residential development under study constitutes approximately 13% of the total estimated population of the development of "Limassol Greens Golf Resort". The height of each building will reach 22 meters.
It is noted that for the entire plot, a relevant opinion (master plan) has been approved by the Department of Environment for the implementation of a golf course and a water supply study for the development of Lanitis Farm Golf in Fasouri, Limassol.
The nearest Natura 2000 site is 7.73 km away from the proposed project, so it is not necessary to prepare and submit a Special Ecological Assessment (EDA) study. Regarding the proximity (approximately 450 meters of the proposed development) to Akrotiri Salt Lake which is a Special Area of Conservation, as a mitigation measure, an intermediate buffer zone has been left on the plot between the plot and Akrotiri Salt Lake.
The rainwater of the plot will be managed within the boundaries of the plot, in order to protect the Akrotiri Salt Lake on the one hand but the infiltration of the area which is sealed, this is a condition that is now included in works within the area in general.
Regarding the management of the drainage water of plot "B", it will be of limited duration until the construction of the underground spaces, it will be done in phases, to limit quantities and the drainage water will be placed in a trench for natural filtration, also, to ensure absorbency and other possible emergencies, a second drainage ditch will be available, as well as a third room for water filtration. The drainage waters will not leak towards Akrotiri Salt Lake. To reduce the required quantities of drainage, drainage will not take place during the period February – April, when there is an increased level of the aquifer. According to the design team, the reintroduction of drainage water into the aquifer in the way proposed, greatly reduces the likelihood of salinization of the aquifer due to extensive pumping.
Within the entire plot there will be several green areas as well as lakes. The design of the proposed residential development will include the planting of green spaces with native species relatively frugal in water requirements and well adapted to the climatic conditions of Cyprus and on the other hand the creation of islets in the form of forests suitable for use by bird species with emphasis on Falco vespertinus.
It is noted that the proposed photovoltaic park has been withdrawn and therefore will not take place and there will be no impact on bird corridors, including birds that prefer wetlands and the wider Akrotiri peninsula, migratory species (raptors, etc.).
The proposed development of "Limassol Greens Golf Resort" is adjacent to the east and north with the following existing and proposed projects: "Sunset Gardens", "The Sky Gardens" of An Sky Garden Ltd, casino-resort "City of Dreams Mediterranean", separation of plots of Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd and planned mixed residential and office developments of the plots under separation of CPZ Properties Ltd, My Mall Limassol, Limassol New Port, Fasouri Water Park "Watermania", photovoltaic park with a capacity of 10 MW. Further to the north (2km), is the new Biological Urban Wastewater Treatment Station of West Limassol.
Irrigation with recyclable and not potable water
In the reasoned finding of the Environmental Authority, it is emphasized that the irrigation water needs of private green areas should not burden the Water Board as stated in the information report of the applicant company. It is proposed that the irrigation of green areas should be done mainly with recycled tertiary treatment water produced by the Sewerage Board of Limassol – Amathus (SALA). It is noted that the study and the plans of the reclaimed water network, within the private plots of the development, to be submitted to the Water Development Department for approval. The Water Development Department requested clarification if the following reference in the relevant information report applies: "The irrigation of private green spaces will also be done through the WBL's water supply network." Therefore, only the water supply of the proposed residential development in plot "B" will be through the water supply network of the Water Board of Limassol (WBL) and the proposed water supply network of the entire development of "Limassol Greens Golf Resort".
