The Region of Crete has decided to reduce the minimum required distance of the existing recreational activity “GO KART TRACK” in Malia, Heraklion. The track, which has been operating since 2003 by the company “Malia Entertainment Parks S.A.”, is located outside the settlement of Malia, on Zoodochou Pigis Street, on a field with a total area of 10,003.50 sq m.
The relevant decision concerns the reduction of the distance from 150 meters to shorter distances from neighboring land uses and facilities, including:
31 m. from the Holy Cemetery Church of Zoodochou Pigis,
55 m. from the tourist facility Sunweb Village,
133 m. from the Stella Maria Hotel,
65 m. from the Sirens Beach and Village tourist complex,
45 to 85 m. from three adjacent residences.
According to the technical documentation, the company has a total of 10 trolleys, of which five move within the track simultaneously. The relevant noise measurement was based on the movement of these five vehicles, while it is emphasized that there are no fixed mechanical installations, with any noise coming exclusively from the movement of cars.
As stated, among other things, in the relevant technical report, the area is mainly rural in nature with limited tourist development, which, together with the heterogeneity of the zone, supported the need for flexibility in distances. It is noted that during the operation of the track, no complaints have been recorded for noise pollution or other nuisance, while declarations of non-disturbance were submitted from tourist businesses, adjacent residences and the cemetery.
Specifically for the Church of Zoodochos Pigi, it is reported that it operates once a year, on its feast day, between 07:00 and 11:00 in the morning, during which the business remains closed. Correspondingly, no nuisance problems are reported from a tourist complex located 55 meters from the track, while it is noted that the dense planting may act as a deterrent to noise.
Based on the above data, the Region considered that the reasons for reducing the safety distance are present, without any substantial nuisance or impact on sensitive uses of the area.
