The Council of Ministers approved a special urban planning incentive scheme on Wednesday to support developments in primary and secondary education. 

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou stated that the Christodoulides government acknowledges education as a fundamental pillar of the state's strategy for social and economic development.

He added that, recognizing the need for the expansion and modernization of private educational infrastructure, the government has approved this special plan.

According to the Minister, geopolitical developments in recent years across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean have led to an influx of foreign nationals residing and working in Cyprus. This has created a demand for educational facilities to serve this growing population.

"In this context, the constantly evolving and increasing number of individuals from European and third countries has necessitated the development of new private educational institutions and the improvement of existing ones. Based on these considerations, a special incentive plan has been designed, specifically targeting primary and secondary educational institutions while taking their unique characteristics into account," Ioannou explained.

The plan provides urban planning incentives to facilitate both the modernization of existing private schools and the creation of new, high-standard institutions.

Ioannou further clarified that by utilizing this plan, existing educational institutions can undertake expansions and modifications to upgrade their facilities and meet the educational needs of a larger student population.

"At the same time, the plan includes provisions that align with the government's broader policy of attracting and facilitating investments from both local and international stakeholders, given the opportunities in the education sector," he added.

Among other benefits, the plan offers an increased building coefficient of 10% to 25%, depending on the development area. Additionally, deviations from established Development Plan standards regarding open spaces and sports facilities will be allowed, permitting a reduction of up to 25%, provided the Ministry of Education grants approval.

According to the Minister, applications submitted under the plan will be processed through a fast-track licensing procedure, prioritizing efficiency.

It is also noted that, for all types of educational institutions, the Department of Town Planning and Housing will remain the responsible authority for issuing urban planning permits.

The plan will be in effect for one year, after which its effectiveness will be assessed.

Ioannou also emphasized the significance of linking this initiative with the government's housing policy. The offset amount, equaling 20% of the additional development value, will be allocated to the Cyprus Land Development Corporation’s (KOAG) Special Housing Fund to support affordable housing programs.