NGOs file legal appeal to revoke Comino project permit
Environmental groups claim project breaches planning laws as developer insists plans are lawful and scaled-down
Moviment Graffitti, together with 14 environmental NGOs and individuals, filed an appeal on Thursday evening with the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, calling for the revocation of the Comino project’s planning permit.
The proposed development (PA/4777/20) by Hili Ventures Hospitality, approved in April, includes a 140-bed luxury hotel, 16 villas, and 44 swimming pools across Comino.
The plan involves demolishing the existing hotel and bungalows to make way for the new resort at San Niklaw Bay and Santa Marija Bay, which is expected to be managed by the international brand Six Senses.
In their appeal, the NGOs argue the project breaches the Gozo and Comino Local Plan and violates several environmental policies, particularly those protecting the garrigue habitat—a Natura 2000-listed site safeguarded under EU law. They also claim that the development exceeds parameters for redevelopment in rural areas and bypasses full environmental assessment by designating major elements as “reserved matters,” excluding them from proper scrutiny.
The appellants highlight the inclusion of over 40 swimming pools, arguing this contravenes planning policy that restricts such developments in ecologically sensitive zones.
They also contend the project fails to meet legal obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, which requires certainty that no adverse effects will impact the site’s ecological integrity.
Additionally, they argue that the project dismisses scientific concerns raised in the Appropriate Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment and lacks sufficient justification for overriding established planning policies.
The appeal was filed by Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, Għawdix, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust – FEE Malta, the Ramblers Association, The Archaeological Society Malta, Wirt Għawdex, and several individuals.
The NGOs had previously launched a crowdfunding campaign in May to raise €20,000 to support their legal challenge against the Planning Authority’s decision.
Reacting to the appeal, HV Hospitality, a subsidiary of Hili Ventures, insisted that it had "engaged in an extensive, transparent planning process over the past five years”.
In a statement on Friday morning, HV Hospitality said the company had “always listened to the expected scrutiny on this project, however, this must be based on the facts and not misconceptions and misrepresentations”.
It noted that the project “has been scaled down substantially” following environmental studies and stakeholder feedback.
“All studies have undergone judicial review and have been confirmed as valid and correct,” HV Hospitality said.
“HV Hospitality is committed to responsible stewardship of the site and continues to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders, to realise its vision for Comino – one that promotes lower-density and more sustainable tourism,” the company added.