The National Planning and Building Council approved the Nitzanim plan on Tuesday. The plan includes a detailed blueprint for three construction sites for settlers relocated from the Gaza Strip. The plan will be sent to the regional planning and building boards for comments and hearing public reservations within 30 days.
The National Planning and Building Council is scheduled to hold its final discussion on the Nitzanim plan in October. After the outline plan is approved, lots can be allocated, building permits issued, and the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure begun.
The Nitzanim plan covers 1,900 dunam (475 acres), with 2,300 half-dunam (eighth-acre) lots. 450 lots will be in Nitzan, 650 in northwest Ashkelon, and 1,100 in northeast Ashkelon. The plan also includes public buildings, sports centers, synagogues, and education institutions.
The plan also includes three holiday resorts on the Nitzanim beach with 900 units located 300 meters from the waterline. The resorts will be built in stages of 300 units per stage. An environmental impact study will be conducted after the completion of each stage.
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel opposes these resorts, claiming that they harm the environment and are unconnected to the plan for resettling Gaza Strip settlers.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on August 4, 2005