Environmentalists urge cabinet to deny permit for Cape Greco monastery built without approval

Cape Greco, Cyprus. Environmentalists have asked the cabinet to turn down a planning permit for a monastery that was built without authorisation in the Cape Greco protected area. They also want any unlawful structures already standing to be demolished.

Environmentalists’ objections

The ecologists urged the government to reject the application for the planned monastery of Saints Ephraim and Catherine. They said the site lies inside the Natura 2000 network and a nature protection zone, and that the mandatory environmental assessments were not carried out.

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In their statement they said, “Illegality cannot precede and licensing follow.” They warned that approving works retroactively would create “a dangerous precedent”.

They added that appeals to respect for the church cannot justify applying the law unevenly. In their view, protection of Natura 2000 areas cannot be applied to some sites and not others.

Planning council vote

The planning council voted four to one to let construction proceed. The representative of the technical chamber Etek was the only member to object.

Another session is scheduled for October 30. After that, a reasoned recommendation will be passed to the cabinet, which holds sole authority over the decision.

Opinions of government departments

The environment department did not assess the application because the project is already far advanced, and it recommended a negative response. The urban planning department also advised against approval, stating that the project contradicts nine provisions of the Paralimni, Ayia Napa and Deryneia local plan.

Etek president Konstantinos Konstantis said the interior minister acted properly in launching the procedures. He added that the decision to demolish must be enforced.