Local authorities have shown reluctance in enforcing the law when it comes to inspections and demolitions of illegal structures. In many cases, demolition orders were issued but never executed. This lack of action has prompted the Ministries of Interior and Agriculture to push for legislative amendments to address issues related to enforcement and handling such cases. 

According to information obtained by Brief, criminal cases have been filed for many of these instances, while in others, demolition orders have been issued but not executed, as the cases are either in court or the local authorities are demonstrating reluctance.

The illegal structures are numerous, with around 30 cases receiving the most public attention.

Specifically, according to information from the Ministry of Interior, some of the identified violations currently under legal proceedings include:

25 structures in Akamas: Inspections revealed serious irregularities in 25 cases. Letters were sent to the owners to resolve the violations, but not all complied. As a result, 22 cases were referred to the Legal Service for legal action, and criminal cases were filed. The competent Planning Authority, EOA Paphos, is now monitoring the progress of court cases to enforce the court's decisions.

Illegal bars: In several cases, including those in the Larnaca district and more recently in Paphos, seaside bars have already been demolished and removed. Efforts are ongoing to remove additional structures by local authorities.

Monastery in Cape Greco: Construction work has been halted, but demolition has not yet proceeded due to an appeal against the interim ruling of the Administrative Court. The issue is currently in court, with EOA Famagusta responsible for any decisions.

Demolitions of two hotels: In one case, the owners of a hotel unit have yet to proceed with demolishing the illegal additions. In another, the owners have not demolished illegal structures and extensions necessary for their application for an exceptional planning permit to be reviewed. Both cases are in court, and the EOA will need to enforce the rulings.

In other cases, such as the fish farm in Trimiklini, the case file has been referred to the Legal Service.

Brief contacted Charalambos Theopemptou, who, in addition to being the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, is closely familiar with these issues. Speaking to Brief, Mr. Theopemptou emphasized that the problem with illegal structures lies primarily in the reluctance of local authorities to enforce the legislation.

As Mr. Theopemptou noted, local authorities do not proceed with proper inspections or with demolition orders for their own reasons, perpetuating the problem and its environmental and safety impacts on citizens.

Mr. Theopemptou also mentioned other cases where local authorities neither prevented illegalities nor took necessary action, such as in "Ammos tou Kampouri" and a seaside restaurant in Paphos, where despite the issuance of relevant demolition orders, local authorities have not proceeded with the demolitions.

“When a planning permit is issued, the local authority is notified. Therefore, if the local authority notices someone undertaking works and does not find the permit in their records, it must intervene,” he said. He added, however, that “even after a complaint is filed, the case goes to court, and a demolition order is issued, the local authorities still do not execute it.”

Finally, when asked about the amendments the government is promoting regarding improved inspections and immediate actions against illegal structures, he said that, fortunately, the problem has been recognized, and efforts are being made to address the issues. This is a positive development, he noted.