Newsroom
A controversial tourist development in Latchi, Paphos, is facing increasing scrutiny as both the Paphos Provincial Municipality and the Environment Department become involved in a growing legal and environmental dispute. The Environment Department has issued a multi-page report backing the owner's request to modify a previously granted planning permit, despite acknowledging several environmental concerns tied to the project’s planned conversion.
According to Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras, the initial permit allowed for the construction of tourist apartments, but the owner now seeks to transform the development into a 480-bed hotel. The Environment Department's report identifies potential environmental impacts, particularly during the construction phase, but offers mitigation measures to reduce these effects. The report assures that, if these measures are followed, the impacts during both construction and operation can be effectively managed.
Support from Other Government Departments
In shaping its position, the Environment Department took into account the recommendations from several government bodies, including the Geological Survey Department, the Department of Antiquities, and the Department of Water Development. All three departments issued a statement of “no objection” to the proposed changes, which bolstered the Environment Department's support for the project.
Paphos EIA’s Mixed Response
However, the Paphos Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) authority, which will have the final say on the project, has expressed some reservations. According to the Environment Department’s report, the Paphos EIA indicated in a letter dated December 11, 2024, that while it is governed by the status of the Wider Public Sector—rather than the Public Sector—it cannot be represented by the Legal Service for enforcement matters. Based on a preliminary review of the revised plans, the Paphos EIA has agreed in principle to the development but insists that it still requires a formal review and opinion from the Environment Department.
In its review, the Paphos EIA noted two key factors: the approved Gold Bay Local Plan 2024, which permits the construction of a three-storey hotel building, and the approval of the Aesthetic Control Committee, which deemed the development’s impact on the landscape acceptable.
Controversy Over the Third Floor
One of the most contentious issues in this case is the addition of a third floor to the development, which was not part of the original planning permit. The Planning Authority had issued three separate notices ordering the halt of work on this additional floor, all of which were ignored by the developers. The Paphos EIA has now begun preparations to take legal action as construction continues on the site.
This issue was brought to a head at a meeting of the Paphos EIA Council, where there were heated exchanges among council members. The Mayor of Paphos expressed frustration with Polis Chrysochous Mayor Yiotis Papachristofis, accusing him of covering up the illegal construction. The Mayor of Paphos also raised concerns over potential criminal offenses, claiming that the permit file was incomplete. As a result of these tensions, no final decision was made on the matter at the meeting.
The case continues to develop, with both environmental and legal issues at the forefront of the ongoing debate over this controversial project.
*This article is a translation and summary of the original article in Greek
