Court To Decide On Construction In Bulgarias Strandzha Preserve

On March 19 and 20 the Supreme Court of Administration will examine the litigations of Tsarevo municipality and Crash 2000 company concerning a construction ban in Strandzha preserve.

The ban was introduced in 1995, as Strandzha was considered protected area. In case the ban is lifted, construction in the natural area will become possible and the preserve will cease to exist.

In November 2006, Tsarevo municipality decided to address the ban in court, Darik Radio reported.

If court decides to favour the litigations, the decision could either be appealed or Environment and Water Affairs Minister Djevdet Chakurov could issue a new document to confirm the preserve status of the Strandzha area.

The ban hinders the work of Crash 2000. Its complex Golden Pearl could end up demolished if the ban remains in force. Some investors have already bought apartments in the complex.

Removing the ban will take Strandzha out of Bulgaria’s protected areas list and will legalise construction.