Significant irregularities have been recorded in a farmland landfill discovered after a complaint in the Sea Caves area, while no permit was issued for the installation of a stage in Agios Georgios, Peyia, according to Heraklis Achniotis, Chief Urban Planning Officer at the Department of Town Planning and Housing.

In statements to Cyprus News Agency, Mr. Achniotis stressed that clear irregularities exist regarding the landfill. Large volumes of soil were dumped and then leveled by excavators, he said, adding that such practices are explicitly prohibited.

Regarding the stage and constructions for an event in Agios Georgios, Mr. Achniotis noted that these should have been properly assessed and licensed, which did not happen. He added that the District Self-Government Organization has been informed, and measures are expected to follow. “Applications for a planning permit must be submitted,” he said.

Beyond the temporary stage, which has now been dismantled, there are permanent constructions of a similar nature in the Agios Georgios area. These, according to Mr. Achniotis, also require evaluation through the proper planning process.

Speaking on recent controversies concerning the Peyia coastline, Mr. Achniotis emphasized that these incidents highlight long-standing issues in development control mechanisms and the implementation of urban planning and building laws.

He underlined that the Achilles’ heel of Cyprus’ planning system has always been enforcement. The problem is especially acute now, he said, following the Local Government reform, which transferred much of development control to the District Self-Government Organizations (EOAs). As their enforcement mechanisms are not yet fully operational, opportunities arise for abuses and unlawful developments.

Mr. Achniotis highlighted that activities such as land clearing, earthworks, and dumping of excavation material are strictly prohibited in environmentally sensitive areas classified as Protection Zones Z1 and Z2. Any alteration of the natural landscape must be subject to strict controls.

He added that claims of agricultural use of the land are not acceptable, since the zoning does not provide for such activities. Even in agricultural zones, significant changes to the natural terrain—such as large-scale soil removal or deposits—would still require prior authorization.

Referring to recent reports, Mr. Achniotis confirmed that extensive land alterations and constructions have taken place in protection zones of Agios Georgios without planning or building permits. While a temporary stage for an event was recently removed, large permanent structures remain and must be formally evaluated through applications to the Paphos EOA Planning Authority. He added that Cypriot authorities have already contacted the Paphos EOA, and enforcement measures are being prepared.

He also mentioned that under the upcoming Local Plan of Peyia, changes are being considered to further strengthen the protection regime of the area and prevent similar violations in the future.

Mr. Achniotis concluded by stressing the importance of close cooperation between competent state authorities and local administrations to prevent and address such violations. He warned that the environmental cost of these activities is enormous and requires proactive rather than reactive measures.