Planning authorities have identified significant irregularities in agricultural land alterations near the Sea Caves area and unauthorised platform construction at Agios Georgios Peyia, following public complaints about development activities in protected zones.
Heraklis Achniotis, senior officer at the Department of Town Planning and Housing, confirmed that substantial earth volumes were deposited and levelled using excavators without required permits in environmentally sensitive areas designated as protection zones Z1 and Z2.
Unauthorised platform construction discovered at Agios Georgios
Planning officials found that temporary platform structures for event organisation at Agios Georgios Peyia required assessment and licensing that was never obtained. The Paphos District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) has been notified, and enforcement measures are expected.
“Applications must be submitted to secure planning permission,” Achniotis stated, noting that beyond the removable platform that was relocated and dismantled, permanent structures of similar nature remain in the area requiring evaluation.
The planning department has communicated with relevant Paphos DLGO officials to initiate enforcement measures against unauthorised development activities.
Achniotis identified chronic issues within Cyprus’s planning control system, particularly following local government reform that transferred significant development control jurisdiction to District Local Government Organisations whilst their prevention and enforcement mechanisms remain incomplete.
“This period presents opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to engage in arbitrary actions and create fait accompli situations,” Achniotis warned, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in development oversight.
The official noted that land clearance, earthworks, and excavation product deposits in environmentally sensitive protection zones require strict control and proper authorisation from competent authorities.
Agricultural exploitation claims for affected parcels are unacceptable because the zoning designation prohibits such activities, unlike areas specifically designated for agricultural use, according to planning regulations.
Achniotis announced pending changes to the Peyia Local Plan framework aimed at strengthening protection measures to prevent similar incidents in the designated area.
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