Illegal construction raises concerns at Latchi tourist site

Authorities are grappling with a series of planning violations at a tourist complex in Latchi, Paphos area, being developed by Israeli interests, according to a report by Kathimerini's Apostolos Tomaras. The complex, located on the former site of the Elia Latchi Holiday Village, has seen illegal construction activities, including the erection of a prohibited third floor, triggering concerns about environmental impact and governance oversight.

Local residents have filed numerous complaints over the past year, resulting in warnings from the Planning Department to halt the violations. However, these warnings have largely been ignored by the property’s owner, raising questions about the role of local authorities, specifically the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, which has failed to take adequate action. The illegal construction began before proper permits were secured, leading to enforcement notices from the Planning Department, which were also disregarded by the developers.

Permit Issues and Violations

The project initially received a permit in December 2023 for two-story tourist apartments, but the developer applied shortly after for permission to build a larger hotel complex, including a water park and three-story buildings. Despite not securing permission, construction of the third floor proceeded. In May 2024, the Planning Department issued a second stop-work order, again without compliance from the owner.

Zoning Change Sparks Controversy

The local development plan for Polis Chrysochous was amended in July 2024, increasing the zoning rate, which allowed the construction of hotels. This amendment raised suspicion due to its timing, as it retroactively aligned with the developer’s plans. While some aspects of the project were resolved with the new plan, the third-floor construction and additional requests for a water park and green spaces remain in violation.

Legal Complications

In June 2024, planning authority powers were transferred to local Provincial Authorities. The Paphos Provincial Authority, now overseeing the case, has initiated legal action and prepared a report for the Attorney General’s Office. However, a legal complication arose when the Prosecutor’s Office informed the Paphos authority that it would need to pursue the case with a private lawyer, further delaying proceedings.

Future Steps

The developer has since withdrawn the application for the water park but is still seeking approval for the 480-bed hotel and the third floor, which remains a key violation. The case is now being reviewed by the Paphos Aesthetic Review Committee. Until further decisions are made, the illegal third-floor construction remains unresolved, leaving the project mired in controversy.