At a key point for the future development and environmental protection of the territories within the British Akrotiri and Dhekelia Bases is the process of finalizing the policy statement. The Environmental Authority of the Republic of Cyprus issued an opinion, essentially giving the green light for the development framework, while setting strict and essential conditions, as well as rejections in specific development scenarios that threatened sensitive ecosystems.
The most notable intervention of the Environmental Authority concerns the complete rejection of the provision for the reopening of a restaurant in the sensitive coastal area of Lady's Mile, between the "Oceanica" and "Columbia Sun" centers.
The Environmental Authority fully accepted the findings of the due assessment, noting that such development within the Natura 2000 protected areas (SACs "Akrotiri" and SPA "Akrotiri Wetlands") would cause irreparable damage. The area is a critical breeding habitat for the sea turtles Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas, as well as a nesting site for rare birds.
The construction and operation of the restaurant entails an increase in human presence and nuisance in the area, causing habitat loss and degradation, species disturbance, noise pollution, light pollution and further pressures in combination with other developments in the area.
At the same time, the extension of the Tourist Zone (T4a) to Avdimou by 6.6 hectares was rejected. As underlined, the existing tourist zone remains to this day completely inactive and undeveloped, making any expansion unjustified and dangerous for the types of designation of the neighbouring SAC "Episkopi".
In relation to the licensing of the existing restaurant, there is a provision to make it based on the footprint of the restaurant, which ensures its non-expansion.
The proposed new Livestock Zone in Ormidia has also entered the red, as a large watercourse passes through the area. The Authority considered that any livestock activity there would increase the risk of flooding and cause serious water pollution.
For a number of other provisions of the Supplementary Strategic Environmental Impact Study (SEIA), the Environmental Authority gave its approval, imposing, however, strict conditions:
>> Monasteries (St. Nicholas of the Cats in Akrotiri and Christ the Other in Sotira): Extensions of up to 50% are allowed exclusively on the licensed auxiliary/complementary uses (hostels, common areas). A prior examination is required to prepare an appropriate assessment before each task.
>> "Residence and Plantation" (KAF) in Asomatos: The expansion of residential zones and the construction of agrotourism accommodation within the irrigated agricultural land Z1 are frozen until a comprehensive study is carried out. The study should assess the needs of SPA birds, hydrology and mosquito management.
>> Camping/caravans and renovation of a church in Xylofagou: The organized camping site is shifted at least 200 meters west of the "Cape Pyla" SAC and a buffer zone of 50 meters from the coastline is imposed. Accordingly, the redevelopment in the area of Panagia Evangelistria is strictly limited to 43,000 sq.m. to create a protection zone.
The opinion extensively touches on the proposed residential extensions in communities such as Ypsonas, Kolossi, Trachoni, Paramali, Ormidia, Xylofagou, Achna and Frenaros.
The Environmental Authority sends a clear message to the urban planning authorities that the loss of productive agricultural land and the impact of land consolidation and government irrigation projects must be avoided to the maximum extent possible. Extensions will only be adopted if an urgent housing need is documented.
In addition, for the areas of Ypsonas and Kolossi, the preparation of a single master plan for rainwater management and flood protection becomes mandatory. Especially for the industrial area C3-H3 in Ypsonas, the owners are required to carry out an evaluation study and mandatory soil decontamination before any conversion to residential use.
The opinion of the Environmental Authority is now set as the roadmap for the Administration of the British Bases and the Department of Urban Planning. The balance between the residential and economic development of local communities and the protection of the unique natural wealth of the Akrotiri Peninsula and the area of Dhekelia now passes through the strict application of the essential environmental terms.
