Ecologists request more transparency in local plan revisions

The Cyprus Green Party–Citizens' Cooperation has officially intervened in the ongoing process of revising local urban development plans. In a formal statement addressed to the Minister of Interior, local authorities, and the Town Planning Board, the party expressed concerns over long-standing delays and demanded greater extroversion and transparency in communicating these changes to the public.

The party argues that public information regarding land use, building coefficients, and the placement of critical infrastructure should not be limited to minimal online postings. They have urged authorities to ensure that information reaches every citizen effectively. A key point of contention is the current reliance on the 'Hippodamus' software for submitting public suggestions, which the Ecologists argue excludes individuals who are not tech-savvy. They are officially requesting an extension to the current submission deadline, which is set for October 18, 2026, to ensure that the process is accessible and that the public has sufficient time to contribute meaningful feedback.

The revision of local plans is a critical bureaucratic procedure that dictates the future development of urban centers, including residential, commercial, and industrial zoning, as well as the protection of green spaces and cultural monuments. The Green Party is calling on all citizens to actively participate in the ongoing consultations to ensure their interests are represented in the finalized urban maps.