Thousands of pending urban planning applications will be transferred to the jurisdiction of five Regional Administrative Organizations, established under the Local Government Reform.

Recently, the Department of Urban Planning accelerated its processing efforts, reducing the number of pending applications from 10,485 in February to 9,991 in March 2024.

Specifically, according to data collected by Brief, the pending applications are as follows:

2,049 in Nicosia

3,421 in Limassol

1,431 in Larnaca

1,464 in Paphos

682 in Famagusta

629 in Central Offices (pertaining to large developments)

315 for renovations / listed buildings

Thus, the Regional Administrative Organizations will manage nearly 10,000 urban planning applications, not including new ones to be submitted.

It should be noted that all applications related to large developments will remain with the Department of Urban Planning, which will handle both current and future submissions.

Due to the high volume of applications, 326 employees will be transferred to the Regional Administrative Organizations.

Specifically, the transfers will include:

Nicosia - 97 employees

Limassol - 90 employees

Larnaca - 60 employees

Paphos - 51 employees

Famagusta - 28 employees

These employees, from the provincial offices of the Department of Urban Planning, will staff the Regional Administrative Organizations for 18 months, until permanent personnel are hired.

It should be noted that these employees can apply for permanent positions within the Regional Administrative Organizations. If they choose not to apply, or are not selected for permanent positions, they will return to the Department of Urban Planning.