A planned tourism development in the coastal area of Latsi has become the center of a legal and regulatory storm involving local authorities, environmental considerations, and allegations of permit violations. The dispute highlights growing tensions between the new District Organization of Local Government (EOA) in Paphos, the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, and a private developer who is constructing a three-story hotel complex—despite originally being authorized only for a two-story tourist apartment building. The issue came to light following a report in the Sunday edition of Kathimerini Cyprus.

The initial conflict dates back to late 2023 when the developer commenced work on the site, formerly known as Elia Latchi Holiday Village (subsequently rebranded as Zening Hotel Eco Resort). Construction began even before any formal permits were granted. A preliminary authorization for two-floor tourist apartments was eventually issued on December 19, 2023—about two months into ongoing works. Shortly afterward, the developer applied for a broader project including hotel rooms, a water park, and additional floors, effectively seeking to convert a two-story complex into a three-story hotel structure.

As Kathimerini Cyprus reported, from the outset, authorities issued multiple stop-work notices. The local planning office in Paphos warned the owner that continuation of the third-floor construction was unlawful and could trigger legal action. However, these warnings went unheeded. Even after a second notification in May 2024, construction reportedly continued—prompting some members of the EOA Paphos to raise serious concerns about possible “collusion or turning a blind eye” by certain officials.

The controversy deepened in July 2024 with the publication of a revised local development plan for Polis Chrysochous. As Kathimerini Cyprus reported, under the new zoning, three-story hotels became permissible in the same area where the contested building stands. This rapid shift—allowing higher-density and taller developments—sparked criticism from within the EOA Paphos, with some representatives characterizing it as a “tailor-made” amendment benefiting the specific developer. Although part of the developer’s expansion now fell within legal bounds under the updated plan, issues surrounding a water park proposal and environmental impact remained unresolved.

Throughout 2024, officials wrestled with how to address the unpermitted third-floor construction. In late 2024 and early 2025, the EOA Paphos announced it would seek a court injunction to halt work on the site until the owner complies with all necessary conditions—particularly a review by the Department of Environment. EOA Paphos President Charalambos Pittokopitis confirmed that legal measures are aimed at suspending further building activity, pending an official environmental assessment. Should the Department of Environment ultimately approve, the EOA appears inclined to grant a new permit for a three-story hotel—provided that modifications recommended by the Aesthetic Control Committee are incorporated.

The dispute has triggered friction among local leaders. Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos, speaking to Spor FM 95.0, openly accused some municipal and planning authorities of enabling illegal construction by failing to enforce regulations promptly. On the other hand, Polis Chrysochous officials and members of EOA committees argue that once environmental studies are approved, such developments could bring economic benefits, including new jobs and potential boosts to local tourism.

For now, the fate of the new Latsi complex remains uncertain. If the courts grant an injunction, construction might be forced to pause until every permit is in place, including the mandatory environmental clearance. The EOA Paphos insists that it will proceed in line with both legal requirements and environmental best practices, while critics caution that the pattern of building first and seeking approval later may undermine the rule of law and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

The original report.