Filenews 31 January 2026
The Council of the Services of the Communities of Dhekelia expresses great concern and indignation about the continued delays in critical issues related to the revision of the urban planning zones, as well as the expansion of the quarry zone in Xylofagou within the boundaries of the British Bases.
The Council, together with residents of the communities, held a protest event outside the British Dhekelia Bases and submitted a memorandum with their demands.
The memorandum is as it is
The Dhekelia Community Services Cluster Council expresses its strong concern, concern and indignation about the ongoing pending issues of critical importance for our communities such as the revision of the Policy and Urban Planning Zone Statement, as well as the expansion of the Xylofagou quarry zone within the boundaries of the British Dhekelia Bases.
Despite repeated assurances that the relevant decisions would be taken in a timely manner, to date there has been no formal, clear and binding position. This prolonged delay is essentially a breach of commitments with serious social, economic and development consequences for our communities.
The residents of our communities who own real estate, pay taxes and support their place over time. These residents are not second-class citizens and cannot be forced to apply for planning permits from two different bodies, with delays and additional difficulties. A large number of residents of our communities are waiting from 2022 until today for the publication of the revised Policy Statement, hoping for further development rights on the basis of the submitted objections or even if a number of objections have been rejected, to know the result so that they can plan their future.
Since 2018, the request for the expansion of the Xylofagou quarry zone remains pending. We are now in the 9th year of a process that is being examined, but it is accompanied by continuous delays and obstacles. Despite the professionalism, cooperation and patience shown by those involved, there was no substantial response from the British Bases. The procedures remain stagnant, the stocks of quarry materials have been exhausted and we are being led to the methodical closure of the quarries, with immediate multiple consequences for the residents in particular in the huge increase in the cost of purchasing building materials, the loss of jobs in a large number of residents of our communities, in the construction activity, the public works and the local economy, both in the wider area of Famagusta, and in the province of Larnaca.
Based on the above, the Council of Services of the Communities of Dhekelia:
• It requires immediate, clear and binding decisions.
• It calls for a fair and balanced urban planning policy.
• It defends the right of our residents to stay, develop and create in their place.
• Demands the immediate resolution of the quarrying issue within the boundaries of the British Bases, in order to ensure the continuation of quarrying work, to avoid the socio-economic consequences on our communities.
We clearly state that the patience of the residents has been exhausted and in case of continued indifference, dynamic mobilizations are not excluded.
Our communities don't ask for privileges. They demand respect, consistency and justice.
"In the spring of 2026, the final civilian development zones will be published
A spokesman for the British Bases said in a statement that, "the Command of the British Bases respects the right to peaceful and lawful protest. The Civilian Development Plan is an initiative of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of the United Kingdom, which was agreed in 2014, with the aim of defining urban zones and development areas within the Sovereign British Bases for the first time since 1960. The British Bases Policy Statement and associated urban zoning were published in May 2022 and came into effect immediately. These published zones remain in force. After publication, an objection procedure followed. The examination of the objections is in its final stage and the Administration, in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, is expected to publish the final Civilian Development Zones in the spring of 2026. The British Bases Command remains fully committed to supporting the quarrying companies in their request to expand the existing quarry in Xylofagou, while respecting legal obligations."
