Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek) called for revocations of certificates and permits issued through the country’s fast-track licensing procedure to be halted until a wider review is completed.
Meeting with architects and planning officials
Etek said the call followed a meeting held last week aimed at resolving disruption faced by designers and affected citizens. The meeting brought together an Etek delegation led by its president, Constantinos Constanti, Cyprus Architects Association president Alkis Dikaios, Town Planning Department director Kyriakos Koundouros, and department officials.
Etek said the meeting was held in a constructive atmosphere and resulted in an agreement on how the fast-track procedure should be implemented, the problems that have emerged, and the next steps needed to restore consistency.
Checks on applications and identified gaps
Etek said the discussion focused on the need for licensing authorities to carry out staff checks on submitted applications, as provided for in the relevant decrees. These checks are intended to identify significant deviations, including those affecting residential comfort and the functionality of parking areas.
According to Etek, the meeting found that the obligation to carry out such checks had not been fully implemented by some district local government organisations.
Directive for comprehensive evaluation
Etek said this prompted the director of the Town Planning Department to issue a directive on May 11 calling for a comprehensive evaluation of all automatically issued certificates. The results of the evaluation are expected to be submitted to the Interior Ministry.
Call to pause revocations
Etek said that until the evaluation process is completed, and until a common interpretation of what constitutes a substantial deviation is agreed, revocations of certificates and permits should stop.
How do you think the review should define what constitutes a substantial deviation in fast-track licensing?
