On Monday, April 15, the Cyprus Department of Environment issued a preliminary permit for the construction of a new hotel called The Tree Hotel in Platres.
According to the department, in order to start work, the company Marinos Sotiriou and Alli must take a number of measures to mitigate the project's impact on the Natura 2000 protected area in which it is located.
Among them: abandoning the construction of six lodges. The developer is also required to carry out tree trimming and vegetation removal outside the main bird breeding season, and during the period recommended by the Forestry Department (February to July). The company must landscape the area around the hotel and take measures to mitigate the effects of external lighting. During construction works, use new models of machinery and vehicles to reduce noise. At the same time, appropriate soundproof building materials should be used during the construction of buildings. During daytime, all construction activities shall be strictly confined to the proposed project area. During nighttime, it is prohibited to carry out any activities on the construction site.
The new hotel complex will include:
- the main hotel building for 64 rooms (128 beds) with an area of 1905 m2;
- detached cottages with the area of 1,200 m2;
- a spa center with a gym, locker rooms, indoor pool and rooms for massage, yoga and spa procedures with a total area of 679 m2;
- a restaurant with indoor and outdoor areas and a bar with a total area of 488 m2;
- a reception area of 260 m2;
- a recreation area of 66 m2;
- underground parking lot for 60 parking spaces, 6 of which are intended for people with disabilities;
- an underground biological wastewater treatment plant with an area of about 100 m2.
According to the developer, the Tree Hotel will contribute to attracting local and foreign tourists to the Platres Mountain Resort, enrich the tourism industry in Cyprus and provide employment for 50 villagers, including administrative and technical staff.
Access to the proposed project will be via Idonion Street, which is adjacent to the main B8 public road.
The project is expected to take 18 months from the start of construction of the hotel.
The cost of the hotel complex is estimated at €4 million.