Mitsero, Cyprus. The administrative appeals court on Friday rejected an attempt to block the construction of an asphalt plant in the Nicosia district village of Mitsero. The ruling allows construction to proceed while an appeal against the plant’s planning permission is pending before the court of appeal.
Case brought by eight village councils
The case was filed by the village councils of Mitsero and seven nearby villages: Agrokipia, Ayios Ioannis, Kato Moni, Arediou, Meniko, Malounta and Orounta. They sought to prevent the plant’s construction.
Reason for the project
Planning permission for the plant had been granted with the intention that it would replace the asphalt plant in Dali. Residents there have long complained about the facility because it is located near the town’s schools and because of what were described as the “unbearable” smell of the fumes.
Court ruling
The eight village councils argued that construction of a new plant in Mitsero could cause irreparable damage to the environment and public health in the area. The court of appeal found that this had not been adequately proven.
Next steps
Construction of the new plant can now go ahead pending a final hearing at the court of appeal, where it will be definitively decided whether the plant can be built.