Paphos Press 6 September 2024
The Municipal Council of the Municipality of East Pafos proceeded to file an appeal to the Administrative Court against a planning permit regarding the construction of a hotel unit on a beach block, owned by the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus, due to archaeological findings.
According to the Mayor of Eastern Paphos, Nikos Palio, the Municipal Council, due to the great archaeological and historical value of the finds, insists on the continuation of the excavations throughout the area with the aim of fully uncovering the monument, its rescue and finally highlighting it.
In his statements to the KYPE, Mr. Palios said that at the moment when the excavation research is in progress "an urban planning permit cannot under any circumstances be issued by the Department of Urban Planning and Housing".
As he mentioned, the objections of the East Paphos Municipality were not taken into account. "Our position has always been that if the excavation work does not clear up the entire area, no planning permission should be given," he said.
He added that the antiquities extend to other places besides the block of the Archdiocese.
