Larnaca: Environment Department Responds to Tower Project Concerns

The Environment Department has responded to an announcement by the political movement «Alma-Citizens for Cyprus» regarding the tower development in Larnaca. The Environment Department rejected the movement's claims, emphasizing that its positive opinion on the development is based on legislation and environmental principles.

According to the Department, the Former Refineries Area Plan, in effect since 2020, regulates development in areas affected by coastal erosion. A prerequisite for the utilization of plots is the restoration of the section affected by erosion, based on a study and the parameters of the Department of Public Works.

The Environment Department's opinion was issued under strict terms and conditions, following an environmental assessment. It is proposed to monitor the behavior of the coast for six months before the issuance of a planning permit by the Larnaca District Self-Government Organization (EOA).

The Environment Department emphasizes that the decision on the planning permit belongs to the Larnaca EOA, taking into account the views of other competent departments and the provisions of the Area Plan. It also states that provisions of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the Barcelona Convention have been incorporated, such as the preparation of a coastal engineering study, the definition of a coastal protection zone, and the safeguarding of visual escapes to the sea.