Delay in Cape Greco monastery legalization as parliament enters the debate

The Council for the Study of Deviations (SYMEPA) has postponed a crucial meeting regarding the controversial construction of a monastery within the environmentally protected Natura 2000 zone at Cape Greco. The meeting, which was intended to finalize the decision on a planning permission request, has been delayed until an unspecified date in November. Previously, on October 16, a majority of the council members voted in favor of the project, with one vote against from the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK).

In response to the ongoing developments, the AKEL political party has announced its intention to bring the matter before the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs. The party argues that the case highlights systemic issues regarding the granting of planning deviations for large private developments. AKEL aims to investigate whether these processes, which were intended for exceptional circumstances, are being used to circumvent proper urban planning or to provide preferential treatment, calling for greater transparency, equality, and accountability in state oversight of the environment and public interest.