Apostolos Tomaras
A controversial tourist development in Latchi has raised serious concerns over government transparency and adherence to the rule of law, as the construction of a four-star resort faces allegations of long-standing illegalities. Despite multiple violations flagged by the Paphos Environmental Impact Authority (EIA) since 2023, authorities now appear to be moving toward legalizing the unauthorized expansions instead of enforcing corrective action.
''Rules for thee, but not for me''.
The Zening Hotel Eco Resort, a project backed by Israeli investors, is being built on the site of the former Elia Latchi Holiday Village. The development has been fraught with planning breaches from the outset, with unauthorized structural additions—including a third floor—proceeding despite official stop-work notices. Now, instead of taking steps to address these violations, government agencies appear poised to retroactively approve them.
Legitimizing Violations?
The Paphos EIA, tasked with enforcing planning regulations, is expected to approve a report from the Environment Department that supports modifying the original permit to officially reclassify the project as a four-star hotel. This would effectively sanction the very breaches the EIA itself previously identified.
The Environment Department’s green light comes after endorsements from various government agencies, including the Department of Geological Survey, the Department of Antiquities, and the Water Development Department. However, critics argue this sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that illegal developments can simply be approved after the fact rather than corrected.
Questions of Political Influence
The handling of this case has led to speculation over potential political pressure. Despite repeated violations and delays in legal action, the Paphos EIA sought an environmental impact assessment in September 2024—months after the illegal work was well underway. The agency also failed to act on legal advice to hire a private lawyer to pursue enforcement action, raising further concerns about its motives.
Moreover, inconsistencies in enforcement have sparked public outcry. In a similar case in 2017, the Paphos Planning Authority strictly upheld zoning laws, halting unauthorized modifications to a Latchi hotel. Critics are now questioning why the same stringent measures are not being applied in this instance.
A Done Deal?
With the Environment Department’s report favoring legalization, the Paphos EIA is now in a difficult position. If it rejects the application, it risks a legal battle with the investor. If it approves, it faces accusations of bending the rules for certain developers while holding others to stricter standards.
As debate intensifies, the key question remains: Is this a case of prioritizing economic development, or a dangerous erosion of Cyprus’ planning laws?
*This article was translated from its Greek original and summarized
