Administrative Court of Appeal rejects request to suspend Mitsero asphalt plant permit

The Administrative Court of Appeal has rejected an interim application filed by eight community councils in the Nicosia district seeking the suspension of a planning permit for an asphalt production plant in the Mitsero area. The appellants, representing the communities of Mitsero, Agrokipia, Agios Ioannis, Kato Moni, Arediou, Meniko, Malounta, and Orounta, had previously challenged the permit in a lower court. On February 5, 2026, the lower court had initially dismissed their legal challenge, leading to the current appeal. The councils requested an injunction to halt all site development and work, citing potential irreparable harm to public health and the environment. In its ruling, the Court stated that the appellants failed to provide sufficient evidence or establish a serious probability of irreparable damage to justify such an extraordinary measure. The Court emphasized that the suspension of an administrative act is an exceptional legal remedy granted only under strict criteria. Consequently, the permit remains valid as the main appeal process continues.