The outline development permit application for the Lm25 million White Rocks tourist complex in Bahar ic-Caghaq was yesterday unanimously approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
The four-star-plus complex, which has been on the drawing board for the past four years, is being developed by San Andrea Resort Ltd, composed of three Maltese and one Spanish company, selected for the project over two years ago.
The developers have been painstakingly going through the planning process ever since, said San Andrea Resort Ltd's chairman Tony Zahra.
Mr Zahra said the project, which was "aiming to be a unique resort of high quality", was expected to pump Lm200 million into the economy over a 10-year period, generating 250 full-time jobs.
The target date for the start of construction works was scheduled for January 2004 and the development would be carried out in four phases in as many years, he said.
Described as a "multi-use project", the development includes a total of 1,000 beds. Half of them will be traditional hotel rooms and suites and the rest multi-ownership vacation suites and apartments.
Among the many leisure and sports facilities to be incorporated in the complex are two lagoon-type pools and three smaller ones, a conference centre for around 400 seated delegates and a central traditional piazza, the focal point of the development, lined with coffee shops, restaurants and other retail outlets.
The construction of a club house and tennis courts as well as a detailed landscaping scheme are also part of the project.
Among its conditions, the outline development permit lists unrestricted public access to the coast through the site.
The existing White Rocks holiday complex is to be demolished and another junction constructed for access to the site off the arterial roads.
The roofs, which would be visible from the coast road, would have to be free from utilities to prevent any negative visual impact.
Discussions at the authority yesterday revolved around the obstruction of views onto the horizon, which are being protected through visual corridors, varying heights and breaks in the massing of the units.
Architect Paul Borg, from Demicoli & Associates, said the developers had gone to great lengths to ensure that the views were not blocked from the coast road and that the natural surroundings would be used appropriately, with the creation of nature walks, among other ideas.
A full development permit will have to be granted before the project goes ahead. The developers have to pay a planning obligation and they expressed the will to give it to the Pembroke council for embellishment works in the area.
Pembroke mayor Joe Zammit welcomed the project, describing the site as a derelict dump and a "nest for every evil".
It was home to squatters and other forms of abuse and illegal activities, he said.