Holiday resort project cleared

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority yesterday gave the go ahead for the demolition of the Golden Sands Hotel at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and the redevelopment of the site as a holiday resort.

The resort, costing between Lm10 million and Lm12 million, will consist of 300 timeshare apartments, a theatre-style ballroom, two main pool areas and restaurants.

The development covers the site of the existing hotel, the Cote d'Or restaurant, the adjacent paved area and a beach concession.

The authority's case officers Robert Vella and Rachael Portelli, from the environment directorate, pointed out during a public hearing that although the site was outside the development zone its redevelopment had always been deemed highly desirable.

A team consisting of Mepa officials, the developers and their consultants was set up to achieve a viable development which would constitute an improvement to the landscape and create a high profile development.

Mellieha council is not opposing the project.