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A beachfront development in Larnaca has triggered a public row between environmental activists and government authorities, with the Department of Environment rejecting claims that the project’s approval was politically motivated.
The controversy centers around Aqua Residences, a planned development on Larnaca’s coastal front. Civic group Alma – Citizens for Cyprus, led by former auditor general Odysseas Michaelides, accused the state of “handing over public wealth to party insiders,” questioning the legitimacy of the project’s environmental approval.
But the Department of Environment is pushing back hard, saying the accusations are baseless and politically charged.
“We don’t approve projects based on who applies,” the department said in a strongly worded statement. “We base our decisions on law, science, and environmental principles.”
Civic group Alma – Citizens for Cyprus, led by former auditor general Odysseas Michaelides, accused the state of “handing over public wealth to party insiders,
What the dispute is about
Alma claims that the coastal land, which was previously industrial and heavily degraded, is being handed over under the guise of regeneration, and they argue that the process is being rushed and lacks transparency.
One of their main criticisms is the recovery process for land affected by coastal erosion. They argue it's being treated as a formality just to push the project through.
But the Department says this is misleading. According to them, coastal recovery is a legal requirement under the area’s regional plan, and far from a box-ticking exercise. They say a detailed coastal engineering study was completed before any decision was made, and that approval was given with strict conditions, including:
- Restoring the eroded part of the plot before construction can begin,
- Monitoring the coastline for six months to ensure it holds up, and
- Keeping public access to the seafront, including walkways and green spaces.
Not about who you know, officials say
Officials were especially critical of Alma’s suggestion that the decision was influenced by politics or party connections. The department said such claims cast doubt on the integrity of its technical experts and public servants.
“Implying bias without evidence is an attack on the professionalism of the people who work in this service,” the statement said.
The department also clarified that their environmental opinion is not final approval. The actual planning permit will still be issued, or rejected, by the Larnaca Urban Planning Authority, after reviewing all aspects of the project.
Balancing development and the environment
The government insists that the project is part of a larger strategy to regenerate an area that was once home to oil refineries and other heavy industry. The goal, they say, is to allow sustainable development while restoring public access to the coast.
As part of that plan, a protected coastal zone approximately 60 meters wide will be established, banning any buildings in that area. Developers will also be required to ensure open sea views, and place public green spaces along the shoreline.
While the Department of Environment says it followed the law to the letter, the debate isn’t likely to die down anytime soon. Alma has already made it clear they won’t let the issue rest, and the final decision from the Urban Planning Authority is still pending.
