Comino Bungalows Are Not And Will Not Be For Sale, Developers Behind Controversial Project Clarify
The developers behind the new Comino hotel “regenerative” project have clarified that the bungalows “are not and will not be for sale”.
This comes after various environmental NGOs voiced concerns over the bungalows being for sale. However, HV Hospitality denied these claims, saying that NGOs were using outdated plans which were updated after the 2021 EIA report.
“The serviced bungalows are not and will not be for sale. They will be operated as one single touristic resort by the hotel operator,” it said in the statement.
“The figures quoted by the NGOs are outdated and do not reflect the plans currently being considered by the Planning Authority for the new Comino Hotel and Bungalows.”
“As is normal in such projects, the plans have gone through several iterations, following stakeholder consultation. Before accusing anyone of misleading the public, it is vital that the NGOs make sure they are quoting correct and updated figures.”
The changes came following the assessment by the Environment and Resources Authority, which asked developers to alter certain aspects of the proposed plans.
Following a statement by the Għajnsielem local council, HV Hospitality once again reiterated that the plans have been changed since the EIA report was released in 2021, with the plan to sell the bungalows being scrapped.
“The local council is concerned about the possibility of having long-term residences on the island, through sales or long-term rentals, which would change the whole scope and definition of the project from a tourist-oriented one into a speculative real-estate development,” the local council said in a statement.
“It would certainly open the door for the intensification and urbanisation of Comino besides creating logistical problems and creating the need for further ancillary facilities and services to support this type of residences on the island,” it lamented.
“HV Hospitality notes the statement by Ghajnsielem Local Council in which it states that it is not against the upgrading of the existing Comino hotel and bungalows and also noted the extensive landscaping, the improved visual amenity of the proposal, and the investment in a new sewage treatment facility,” the developers said in response.
“The Local Council also says it is objecting to the project because of what it calls ‘the possibility of having long-term residences on the island (through sales or long-term rentals)’ which would change the whole scope and definition of the project from a tourist-oriented one into a speculative real-estate development”.
“HV Hospitality would like to clarify once again that the new bungalows on Comino, which have already been reduced in number, are not and will not be for sale.”
“If planning permission is granted, they will be managed by the hotel operator as hotel suites. This is a clear and unequivocal commitment from HV Hospitality.”
The developers also stressed that the current proposal reduces the built footprint by 5,122 square metres, and will therefore accommodate fewer guests and create an overall reduction in intensity.
What do you make of these statements?
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