The Environmental Authority has given the green light for a €220 million development project in Ayia Napa, about one kilometer from the beach at Ayia Thekla.

The project which is considered to be part of the greater Ayia Napa Marina project includes 29 luxury villas and the entertainment centre Club Pavilion.

The villas are estimated from €500,000 – €15.2 million each. 17 villas will be constructed on the western part of the marina along an artificial beach that will be constructed while the remaining 12 villas will be constructed on an artificial island that will be constructed in the marina’s basin.

The development finds itself in the Ayia Thekla-Liopetri Special Protection Zone (SPZ) as it is regarded an important site for migratory birds and is part of the Natura 2000 network.

The Environmental Authority finds that development in the area could have a negative impact on the SPZ and in particular to the greater sandpiper and some protected plant species.

It has given the go-ahead for the development under the condition that the various planning authorities ensure that the same environmental guidelines applicable to the Ayia Napa marina are applied to the new development project.