The Local Plan of Ayia Napa, Paralimni and Deryneia remains in the phase of examining objections, as reported by Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannetou, after today's discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, with the subject of promoting tourism development on the coastal front of Sotira and Liopetri and the problems that exist.
According to the mayor, reports and assessments were made during the meeting, particularly regarding the special ecological assessment of the areas, with the authorities committing to soon submitting the relevant decisions and the results of the investigations, so that the Local Plan can proceed.
As he mentioned, the Local Plan is being examined by the Board of Objections and, upon completion of the process, the Urban Planning Council is expected to make the final decisions for its publication and finalization.
Mr. Zannetou stressed that the free province of Famagusta cannot be treated as a second-class province, pointing out that "85% of the province is under occupation and only 15% remains", noting the need for equal treatment and sustainable development, with respect for the environment and a perspective for future generations.
Referring to the long delay of the Local Plan, he recalled that the first was published in 2004, while the second, which concerns the municipalities of Ayia Napa, Paralimni and Deryneia, was submitted in 2017 and published on May 31, 2024. As he noted, "7–8 years after the submission of a vision for a local plan, we should have been talking about revision and not about finalization and studying objections."
Particular reference was made to the issue of ecological assessment and the protected species of rock plumid. The mayor stated that recorded occurrences of the species are limited, emphasizing that the Municipality supports environmental development, however "we will not accept the destruction of the entire province."
As he noted, following an order from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Municipality of Ayia Napa proceeded to prepare a special study on this specific species in collaboration with the Technical University of Athens, calling on the competent services to study and adopt its findings, without questioning its authority or validity.
In relation to suggestions for development in height instead of width, Mr. Zannetou stated that this is a practice that is applied internationally, as it allows for visual escapes and the creation of more green spaces and public functional spaces.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, DISY MP Kyriakos Hatzigiannis, made a strong statement after the end of the session, stating that "unfortunately, development in the wider area of the free province of Famagusta is stalled."
As he stated, the Committee discussed pending issues in the tourist area of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, concerning projects that have remained unfinished for years, noting that this situation is a result of the fact that "everyone is looking the other way instead of assuming their responsibilities."
Mr. Hatzigiannis expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence of the relevant ministers from the session, despite the fact that they were invited, noting that they did not come to Parliament to submit proposals and opinions on how there can be a way out of the impasse.
He described the continuation of the current situation as unthinkable, arguing that investments and development projects are being removed from the wider Famagusta area, while, as he emphasized, "no young person who is studying has the slightest possibility of finding employment," due to the absence of developments.
The Chairman of the Committee stated that he once again invited the relevant ministers to attend the next session next week, expressing the hope that they will respond, so that answers can be given both for urban development and for the pending issues of individual services to the Ministry of the Interior, in relation to the Local Plan.
Asked about reports that the development is not proceeding due to a protected bird species, Mr. Hatzigiannis said that he cannot understand how this particular bird is not disturbed when "a tower of so many floors is built next door," while, as he said, restrictions are imposed on lower-story hotels or other developments.
At the same time, he spoke about permits that have been granted for hotels on the beachfront, wondering why in these cases the issue of disturbing the protected species is not raised. As he stated, "studies were conducted, excuses were made in order not to make decisions," noting that there is fear in decision-making.
Finally, he described as unthinkable the fact that ready-made developments remain undeveloped, speaking of buildings that are being converted into "pigeon stables", resulting in the loss of public revenue.
Source: KYPE
