New developments are proposed within the dominant areas of the British Bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, as after the assessment of objections and the completion of the Supplementary Strategic Environmental Impact Study, significant amendments were approved both to the provisions text and to the urban zones of the policy statement. A relevant supplementary Strategic Environmental Impact Study in the context of the finalization of the policy statement of the sovereign areas of the British Bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia has been consulted until 12 June 2025.
Among the main modifications is the construction of a new restaurant on Lady's Mile Beach, on the site of the old premises that was demolished in 2012. The construction is planned to take place in the same location, provided that relevant environmental studies are carried out prior to its licensing, in order to ensure that there will be no serious impact on the sensitive coastal ecosystem of the area.
At the same time, the inclusion of an existing restaurant in the coastal zone of the community of Avdimos was approved, with the aim of regulating the possibilities of its future expansion, on the basis of a clear urban planning framework. The regulation mainly concerns the area west of the watercourse, which until recently was not covered by the provision.
Other important modifications include the asphalting of a road leading to the sea, the alteration of existing urban zones, as well as the creation of new infrastructure within the development boundaries, such as schools, social housing and photovoltaic parks.
Despite the projected positive impacts, mainly on land value increases and owners' development rights, the study identifies potential small- to medium-scale negative impacts, notably in terms of land use change, loss of arable land and the enhancement of the land sealing effect.
The Western Area of Sovereign Bases (PDKB) of Akrotiri has a total area of 124.4 sq.km, administratively belongs to the district of Limassol and falls within the boundaries of two communities (Avdimou and Paramali) and three municipalities (Kourio, Limassol, Polemidia).
The Eastern Sovereign Bases Area (AUKB) in Dhekelia occupies an area of 129.9 sq.km, with most of it (69.7%) administratively falling under the Larnaca district and a smaller part (30.3%) in the Famagusta district. The area falls within the administrative boundaries of five communities (Pergamos, Xylotymbou, Ormidia, Pyla, Xylopagou) and two municipalities (Paralimni – Deryneia and Ayia Napa).
Among other things, it is proposed to introduce a provision for the preparation of a special study for the location of photovoltaic parks near the prisons of BB in the northern part of the community of Pyla. The new plans include a provision for the expansion of existing monasteries in the communities of Akrotiri and Sotiras Limassol. This policy is proposed for the monasteries of Agios Nikolaos ton Gaton in Akrotiri and the monastery of Counselor Christ-Agios Georgios in Sotira Limassol.
In the community of Akrotiri, along the road network leading to the military installations, the residential zones are transformed into commercial zones with the same development factors. In the area there is the Akrotiri Environmental Information Center and an existing restaurant. The existing residential zone H4, of an area of 13 hectares bounded by the military installations, the salt lake and the road network, is upgraded to residential zone H3*. In the community of Asomatos, it is proposed to expand the existing residential zone to the west by about 12 hectares, within irrigated agricultural land (zone Z1), which includes many tree crops. The area is located near the "Akrotiri" SPA and within the "Akrotiri Wetlands" SPA.
The area of the proposed extension of the residential zones in Ypsonas and Kolossi to the south, with a total area of about 40 hectares, includes few crops, scattered individual dwellings and minimal natural vegetation.
The proposed extensions aim to unite the residential zone of Ypsonas with that of Kolossi, creating a single large residential zone. In Ypsonas and Kolossi, the upgrading of the existing residential zones is proposed.
In Ormidia, it is proposed to expand the residential zone by 15.5 hectares, to the north within Protection Zone Z1, where there are existing crops.
In Xylopagou, a large expansion of the residential zone to the west, with an area of 55.5 hectares, is proposed. In Achna, the creation of new residential zones, with a total area of 6.5 hectares, is proposed.
In Frenaros, two new residential zones with a total area of 7.5 hectares are proposed, in Zones Z1 which include a few isolated houses and scattered crops.
In the communities of Xylotymvos and Achna, a Special Policy is introduced regarding the mixed Zone C3-H3, where residential development will take place after proportional separation of the plots, so that the residential development and the road network are developed rationally.
In Acheritou, it is proposed to create a new large livestock farming zone D1 (excluding pigs), with an area of 32.5 hectares, within agricultural zone C3.
It is proposed to expand the existing quarry zone in Xylopagou, which has an area of about 58 hectares and is the only quarry zone in the entire Famagusta district. Three companies operate within the zone and the material mined concerns reef limestone.
Provision for the creation of a tent and caravan area in Xylofagou of an area of 4.5 hectares is located within the state forest of Xylofagou.
The forest land around the historic chapel of Panagia Evangelistria is leased to the community of Xylofagou and is proposed to be included in a special area for the purpose of the organized regeneration of the area.
