Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1537233
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 JULY 2025 NEWS Corinthia's Hal Ferh luxury complex in the landscaping scheme. The Appropriate Assessment (AA) examined potential ef- fects on nearby protected are- as, including two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) in surrounding marine and cliff habitats. It concluded that no significant impact on the in- tegrity of these areas is expect- ed, provided strict mitigation measures are implemented. ERA's conditions ERA's clearance is subject to several environmental con- ditions related to lighting, landscaping, and construction practices. These include the submission of a detailed Lighting Plan en- suring that all exterior light- ing is low-intensity, shielded, downward-pointing, and con- fined within the site to prevent light spill into surrounding habitats. On roads and similar areas, the light levels must be kept at less than 15 lumens per square metre before 11:00pm and at less than 8 lumens per square metre after 11:00pm until morning. As for parking areas and pavements, the light levels must be less than 2 lu- mens per square metre before 11:00pm and less than 1 lumen per square metre after 11:00pm until morning. The proposed lighting levels are still sever- al times brighter than natural moonlight, which measures around 0.25 lumens per square meter. A Landscaping Plan must al- so be submitted, requiring the exclusive use of indigenous species and prohibiting the in- troduction of invasive plants. Other conditions include limit- ing construction works to day- light hours and avoiding high- noise activities during sensitive periods for seabird species. Noise abatement measures must be implemented for ma- chinery and equipment. How- ever, no conditions have been imposed specifically restricting noise from the proposed villas and hotel. EIA suggests development will be covered in 10 years The EIA concludes that the visual impact would be of "high severity" without landscaping, but of "no or low severity" if the landscaping plan is fully imple- mented—particularly after ten years of vegetative growth. Corinthia plans to establish an on-site nursery during the 32-month construction period, cultivating trees and shrubs in conditions similar to the sur- rounding environment to aid landscaping efforts once oper- ations begin. However, the report also warns that maintaining the landscaped area may prove challenging due to pest control requirements in an area cur- rently rich in fauna, along with increased traffic and light pol- lution. Ecological studies caution that construction will lead to vegetation loss in areas cleared for new structures and facili- ties. Night-time lighting may also disrupt the natural be- haviour of wildlife, particular- ly nocturnal species. Sensitive animals such as birds, bats, reptiles, and hedgehogs could be disturbed by artificial light. Increased visitor numbers are also expected once the com- plex becomes operational, es- pecially during summer. This may lead to noise, reduced air quality, and potential oil and fuel spills, which could affect local biological communities. The presence of delivery vehi- cles, taxis, and coaches ferrying tourists to and from the com- plex would further compound these effects. Villas expected to reduce project's financial risk The residential component of the project was made possible through changes to the local plan approved in 2021. The villas will be marketed to high- net-worth individuals and local buyers, with Deloitte estimat- ing that 35% of purchasers will be Malta-based. The villas are described as "stable real estate investments." Since the villas may be avail- able for sale before the hotel becomes operational, revenue from the villa sales is expected to help fund the hotel, reducing financial risks associated with the project. Ecological studies caution that construction will lead to vegetation loss in areas cleared for new structures and facilities. Aerial view of proposed project