Filenews 25 October 2021 - by Angelos Nikolaou
With the ultimate goal of avoiding the inclusion of a large-scale development in a protected area, reducing the impact on existing vegetation, protecting the use of the Public Garden of Pafos, as well as avoiding maximum soil sealing and disturbance to the landscape, taking into account the spaces and buildings of historical and cultural importance, The Environmental Authority has decided to partially approve the request of the Holy Metropolis of Pafos for a cathedral.
The project as proposed alters the character of the area by transforming a landscaped green lung space into another structured space, attracting the public and hard surfaces, sealing a large area of the green space, which reaches 1,900 sq.m. According to the Environmental Authority, in this way environmentally changes substantially the character of the green lung space. Also, no adequate parking space has been indicated near the proposed project, with the risk of using the remaining space and/or creating traffic congestion in the vicinity.
Therefore, the Environmental Authority decided not to recommend the implementation of the project as it stands, except under terms and conditions. The changes proposed in the design of the project substantially reduce the total coverage of the corridors and buildings of the cathedral from 19,000 square meters to 400 sq. m. for the main building of the church and to 160 sq. m. for the outer corridors / courtyard around the church.
In the essential terms of the Environmental Authority it is also mentioned that the height of the church should be limited to the minimum possible, so as not to cause visual intervention in the area and not to exceed the height of the Municipal Mansion.
At the same time, before the commencement of the works, the Department of Antiquities should be informed in order to conduct an archaeological survey of the area occupied by the proposed works, in order to form a clear picture of the area in relation to the possible existence of antiquities. In case of discovery of tombs with special architecture, they should be preserved and managed according to the Department of Antiquities.
The opinion notes that the Holy Metropolis of Pafos bears full responsibility for compliance with the environmental conditions, measures and restrictions imposed. Furthermore, before granting planning permission, the new architectural plans and the new spatial planning of the project must be submitted for inspection to the Director of the Department of Environment. Otherwise, that is, if the conditions are not adopted, the project cannot be implemented.
