Adam Teva V’Din has filed a petition to the Southern District Court against construction plans on the Lido beach, Ashdod, after the planning committee reversed its earlier ruling against plans for two new hotels sixty yards from the shoreline. The development scheme relates to Outdated Plans, that is, plans approved before enactment of the Coastal Protection Law of 2004 but which were never implemented.
Planners need to relate to the changing reality of the Mediterranean Coastline
Despite the passage of time, the developers are now attempting to advance these projects, even though the environmental and climate realities have dramatically changed. In our opinion, the Southern District Planning Committee accepted the appeal by developers, without relating to landmark decisions by the Committee for Coastal Protection and the District Appeals Committee that recognize the importance of preserving open coastal spaces, addressing climate change, and reexamining outdated plans that no longer align with modern planning standards.
Climate Change Demands a Fresh Approach
Attorney Ortal Sanker, who filed the petition, explains that Adam Teva V’Din holds that all Outdated Plans must be reassessed in light of rising sea levels and increased coastal erosion. “The coastal strip is expected to shrink further, making it even more critical to prevent unnecessary development. In our opinion, planning authorities have a responsibility to periodically review whether development plans formulated years ago still serve present and future needs.”
She adds that in cases such as the Lido hotel project, planning authorities should require developers to explore alternative sites that minimize harm. In fact, there is a nearby public parking lot on State-owned land, just east of the proposed location, that could offer a far less damaging option.
Amit Bracha, attorney and Executive Director points out that Adam Teva V’Din’s amendment to the Coastal Protection Law focuses on solutions to the Outdate Plan problem. “Once the current Emergency Situation is declared over, there are Knesset Members ready to advance this important omission to the coasts law.”
