Latchi, Cyprus. A building permit for a major hotel development in Latchi was issued despite findings of illegal construction, prompting renewed scrutiny of decisions taken by the Paphos district government. The permit concerns the Leonardo Club Latchi, a large seaside hotel built on the former Elias Latchi holiday village site.
Permit issued after reported planning breaches
Construction on the hotel advanced for months without the required approvals. The project includes unauthorised additions and deviations from the approved planning framework, issues that had earlier led the then licensing head, Iraklis Achniotis, to refuse to sign off on the permit.
Change in licensing leadership
The licence was ultimately approved by the current licensing director, Konstantinos Portides, shortly after assuming his post. His predecessor had identified what were described as “serious and ongoing breaches of urban planning law” that, in similar cases, would require works to stop and illegal structures to be demolished.
Achniotis’ role and subsequent move
Achniotis had been serving in an acting capacity following the departure of Eliza Lamprianidou and was understood to be considering a permanent move to Paphos. However, amid what were described as sustained pressures linked to the pending permit, he withdrew his interest in the post and returned to his substantive position in Nicosia.
Status of construction at time of approval
According to information placed before authorities, Achniotis was unwilling to approve the permit “as long as the project remained in breach of the planning framework”. By the time the permit was issued, the hotel appeared largely complete, and images taken of the site show finished structures, raising questions about whether construction continued while approvals remained outstanding.
What steps should authorities take when construction proceeds without the required approvals?
