Akamas landowners reject area’s development plan

Akamas landowners on Monday called on communities to reject the area’s development plan saying it leaves no room for tourist development in certain coastal areas.

The association of the peninsula’s landowners stated it prefers the 1997’s policy statement to remain, as the Akamas development plan is in its final stage pending final assessment by the planning board. Then, the plan will be submitted to the interior minister for promulgation within October.

It appears, the landowners said, the plan grants no development rights for a significant number of private properties and the environment department has banned the right of individual housing and even the creation of visitor farms.

With its “destructive and binding” conditions, such as studies and beach protection zones, the competent authority leaves no room for tourism development in the coastal areas of Neo Chorio, Ineia and Arodes, the association said.

The association called on the Planning Board to listen to the affected landowners and Akama communities and do its work in accordance with the law.

It also raised the question of which government will bear the cost of compensation which may be close to €1 billion.

The statement added that the Akamas landowners’ association will meet with the main presidential candidates, namely Averof Neophytou, Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis to inform them of its positions.

Last month, environmental groups had expressed contained optimism following the publication of the environment department’s 70-page opinion on the plan, saying they managed to block the worst of development in the protected area. This included the exclusion of the provision for isolated housing and the 50 per cent reduction of the Ineia-Drousia tourist zoning.