Apostolos Tomaras
The Paphos Local Plan Authority (EOA) is on the verge of approving a contentious tourist development in Latchi, despite confirmed planning violations by the project's Israeli owners — sparking serious questions about the conduct of local authorities.
The development's licensing file is expected to be submitted for final approval by the Paphos EOA Council, with insiders telling Kathimerini Cyprus that the decision is now a mere formality. However, the case has exposed delays, contradictions, and a lack of enforcement by both local officials and technocrats.
Tensions boiled over during an EOA Licensing Committee meeting when Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos accused Polis Chrysochous Mayor Giotis Papachristofi of having personal interests in the project — a claim Papachristofi denied. Despite documented violations, the committee approved the project by majority vote, with Phaidonos casting the only dissenting vote.
Construction Without Permits
The controversy dates back to October 2023, when the developer began building tourist apartments without securing the necessary planning permits. The first permit — for two floors — was only granted on December 19, 2023, nearly two months after work had already begun.
The violations escalated when the developer proceeded to add a third floor without authorization — ignoring two stop-work orders from the EOA's urban planning authority. Despite public announcements that legal action would be taken, no measures were ever pursued.
Legal Gaps and Inaction
The lack of enforcement has raised eyebrows, particularly since the local government reform of 2024 stripped the Attorney General's Office of its role as legal advisor to local authorities. The Paphos EOA would have needed to hire private lawyers to pursue legal action — a step it never took.
Oversight Failure
Criticism has also been directed at the Polis Chrysochous Municipality, which failed to monitor whether the construction adhered to the building permit issued by its own services.
Mayor Phaidonos highlighted the irregularities, saying: "They built without any permits — neither planning nor building permits. What’s even more shocking is that for nine months, they were constructing a three-storey hotel while holding only a permit for two-storey apartments."
With the project now on the brink of full approval, the case has exposed gaping holes in local oversight — leaving many wondering whose interests are truly being served.
*This article was translated from its Greek original
