Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529157
JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt 10 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS Hal Ferh villas will be hidden Corinthia's on-site nursery will grow trees that reduce Ħal-Ferħ visual impact but EIA warns about ecological impact of maintaining extensive landscaped areas and increased light pollution and traffic in the ecologically sensitive area BUILDINGS at the Ħal Ferħ site will be rendered almost 'invisible' due to their low heights and tree planting, a study for the Corinthia Group says. The company is proposing a villa and ho- tel development, called Oasis, on the site in Għajn Tuffieħa, which was previously a tourist resort operated by Air Malta. Low building heights and intensive tree and shrub planting will screen the devel- opment, an environmental impact asess- ment says. But the report indicates that maintaining the landscaped area could pose a challenge due to pest control measures in an area which is presently rich in fauna, in addi- tion to issues such as increased traffic and light pollution. The project also involves extracting over 127,000 cubic metres of rock. The Oasis development, partly located on the existing Ħal Ferħ site, comprises two main components: A tourism zone covering 46,708sq.m, featuring a luxury resort hotel with 122 standard rooms and 39 detached suites; and a residential zone of 30,679sq.m, accommodating 25 high- end villas. The EIA, coordinated by veteran archi- tect and planner Paul Gauci, concludes that the visual impact on views, particular- ly from Manikata, would be significant but that landscaping would substantially re- duce this impact. Photomontages indicate that while the buildings would be partly visible in the first year of operation, they would be largely covered after 10 years. The Corinthia Group plans to establish an on-site nursery during the 32-month construction period, growing trees and shrubs in conditions similar to the sur- rounding environment to aid in landscap- ing efforts once operations begin. The EIA concludes that the visual impact will be of "high severity" with minimal landscaping but of "no or low severity" if landscaping plans are fully implemented, especially after 10 years of growth. Major ecological impact Ecological studies caution that con- struction activities will lead to vegetation loss, particularly in areas cleared for new structures and facilities, and that night- time lighting could disrupt the natural behaviour of wildlife, especially nocturnal species. Artificial lighting may disturb sensitive animals such as birds, bats, reptiles, and hedgehogs present in the area. Furthermore, increased visitor traffic is expected once the complex becomes oper- ational, especially in summer. This could lead to noise, reduced air quality, and po- tential oil and fuel spills, impacting local biological communities. Additionally, the presence of delivery vehicles, taxis, and coaches transporting tourists to and from the complex would exacerbate these ef- fects. Maintaining landscaped areas would al- so require the use of various pest control methods, herbicides, and fertilisers. This could result in hazardous chemicals leach- ing into nearby habitats through runoff. The area also supports a large population of the North African hedgehog, raising concerns about the likelihood of this spe- cies encountering rodent traps in the area. Mitigating light pollution To address light pollution, the Corinthia Group has hired a consultant to prepare a lighting plan for gardens, footpaths, and vehicle links that minimise light pollution. While the EIA commends this effort, it notes that effectiveness may be limited by other major light sources in the area, par- ticularly the nearby Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. To reduce the ecological impact of land- scaping, Corinthia has also commissioned an agricultural consultant to develop a plan minimising the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Villas to finance rest of project The villas will be marketed to high-net- Existing view from Manikata (top) and view of development as proposed after one year (middle) and 10 years (above) of landscaping