Filenews 24 July 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The Council of Ministers decided to demolish an entire floor and a restaurant that was illegally erected in a beach protection area in order to consent to the granting of planning permission, in derogation from the provisions of the Ayia Napa Policy Statement, for additions and alterations to the unit.
This decision gives a way out to the companies that proceeded with the construction of additional floors in the 5-star hotel unit that they erected and caused strong reactions from government services, the Municipality of Ayia Napa, as well as residents.
A relevant proposal was submitted by the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, who decided to adopt the reasoned recommendation of the Council for the Study of Derogations (SY.ME.PA). The decision to demolish floors is the second under Minister Constantinos Ioannou after revoking the previous government's decision to legalize the two additional floors in the "Sun City" building complex in the Municipality of Sotira.
In addition, today's decision authorizes the Planning Authority to grant the permit under appropriate terms, conditions and compensatory measures.
The decision of the Council of Ministers provides, inter alia:
(a) To demolish the columns and beams of the top floor of blocks A and B and all rooms (total of 26) on the top floor of blocks C, D and E, including their staircases, which were erected illegally.
(b) The entire roof should be planted to improve the image of the building.
(c) The construction of a public pedestrian street, which upon completion of the development will ensure public access to the beach and public green spaces.
(d) The existing building located within the Beach Protection Zone and operating illegally as a restaurant, to be demolished.
(e) To pay the amount of €500,000 from the applicants before the granting of planning permission, to the Local Authority, in a special account as a compensatory measure to deal with any burdens arising in the area from the approval of this derogation.
(f) The planning permission must be temporary with a duration of five years, in order for the Planning Authority to check that the applicants are consistent with the conditions set. Normal planning permission could then be granted.
(g) If the building ratio is still exceeded, it must be compensated before planning permission is granted.
