The Mepa board has approved an outline development permit for an extension of Ramla Bay Hotel in Marfa with seven votes in favour and one against.

The extension will include 93 rooms on a new floor and wing, indoor and outdoor facilities such as a gym, and landscaping.

The application had drawn objections from Nature Trust, which stating that an EIA should be carried out, while arguing against further extensions outside the development zone. The Light Pollution Awareness argued that outdoor lighting should be downward pointing.

The Planning Directorate said the development is considered to be in line with the tourism goals and objectives of the Structure Plan and the Draft Marfa Action Plan.

"The proposed tennis courts and increase in land take-up do not fully comply with the intentions of the policies outlined above, however the Planning Directorate considers that the proposal is justifiable on policy grounds since the tennis courts constitute a leisure and tourism use ODZ in relation to the hotel. Such use cannot realistically be located elsewhere in the hotel. The visual impact of the proposed extension and the tennis courts are considered minimal when viewed in the context of the area especially considering the concentration of tourism developments in the area. Parking provisions are satisfactory."

It agreed with the call for outside lighting to face downwards and included it in the permit conditions,