City Planning Authority Confirmed Widespread Environmental Law Transgressions in Peyia
In the picturesque village of Agios Georgios, Peyia, extensive land alterations and constructions have been carried out without the necessary planning or building permits, raising concerns about the enforcement of planning and building laws.
One of the most controversial developments is the installation of a stage in Agios Georgios, which was done without a permit. This incident underscores long-standing issues in Cyprus' development control mechanisms and the implementation of urban planning and building laws.
The responsibility for enforcing measures against unauthorised building and environmental offences typically lies with several authorities, each responsible for specific types of violations. These include:
- The Ministry of Interior (Cyprus Department of Environment) and the Environment Ministry, which oversee environmental matters and environmental offences.
- The local administration of Peyia, particularly when it comes to building violations that contravene local building regulations.
- The Ministry of Interior's Building Department, which may be responsible for ensuring compliance with building regulations.
- The Environment Inspectorate and other relevant government departments, depending on the nature of the violation.
It is advisable to directly contact the relevant local authorities to clarify responsibilities.
Recent investigations by the Urban Planning Department have uncovered significant irregularities in a farmland landfill discovered in the Sea Caves area. Activities such as land clearing, earthworks, and dumping of excavation material are prohibited in Protection Zones Z1 and Z2. The environmental cost of these activities necessitates proactive rather than reactive measures.
Beyond the dismantled temporary stage, there are permanent constructions of a similar nature in the Agios Georgios area that require evaluation. Alterations of the natural landscape in these zones require strict controls.
Under the upcoming Local Plan of Peyia, changes are being considered to strengthen the protection regime of the area. Close cooperation between competent state authorities and local administrations is crucial to prevent and address such violations.
The District Self-Government Organization has been informed about the unlicensed stage and constructions in Agios Georgios. Large permanent structures remain in the area, and applications for a planning permit must be submitted to the Paphos EOA Planning Authority for these constructions. Cypriot authorities have contacted the Paphos EOA, and enforcement measures are being prepared.
Opportunities for abuses and unlawful developments have arisen due to the Local Government reform and the District Self-Government Organizations' (EOAs) incomplete enforcement mechanisms. The incidents in Peyia serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved enforcement and stricter adherence to planning and building laws in Cyprus.
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