The Sotiras Forest (Agios Antonios) between Ayia Napa and Sotiras is the area that has been chosen to create the golf course after the wreck of the attempt to locate it in the area of Cape Greco, according to what the newspaper "Haravgi" broadcasts today.
According to the newspaper, the application of the company "Ayia Napa Forest Golf Ltd" for the creation of a golf course within the Cape Greco Forest Park was rejected last January by the Department of Environment, which ruled that the construction and operation of the facility within the protected area marked with a Site of Community Importance but also a Special Protection Zone would have significant and irreversible environmental effects in the area.
Following this, according to information cited by the newspaper, the Forest Department itself had proposed to the company to move to a large Department of the Sotiras State Forest, in an area within the municipal boundaries of Ayia Napa. This is the area south of the last section of the Rizoelia-Ayia Napa highway and west of the Ayia Napa Primary School, from which the Forest Department proposes the lease of 777 decares, to be precise 777.000 square meters to the company.
The Department of Forests cites a preliminary study of possible impacts on the Environment, arguing that the area in question does not have ecological evidence to prevent such development.
Following the proposal of the Department of Forests, as the newspaper reports, the company "Ayia Napa Forest Golf Ltd", submitted a request to the Department of Forests for long-term lease of state land which extends over three plots. Based on the plans, it is proposed to create a golf course of 584.000 sq.m., residential development of 153.700 sq.m. and tourist development of 40.000 sq.m.
According to the newspaper, the Forest Department has informed all stakeholders in writing about the decision and asked for opinions, among others, from the Deputy Minister of Tourism, the Municipality of Ayia Napa, the Land Registry, the Town Planning, the District of Famagusta, the Agriculture departments. Environment, Water Development, Public Works and the Thera Service.
Source: Famagusta.News with information from the newspaper "Haravgi"