The bishop of Constantia and Ammochostos assured the Minister of Interior that, in the event the hierarchical appeal against the enforcement notice is rejected, he will respect the decision and take all necessary actions, including the immediate demolition of the illegal construction and the complete restoration of the protected area.
Simultaneously, the Minister of Interior assured bishop Vasileios that in such a case, he would consider the request of the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos for the exchange of pieces of church land within the protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network Special Conservation Zone and Special Protection Area of Cape Greco, with another piece in Ayia Napa where the said monastery can be built.
In such a scenario, the monastery of Saint Ephraim and Saint Catherine monasteries could be erected at another location that meets the needs of the Bishopric of Constantia, while simultaneously protecting the natural environment and landscape of the area.
It is noted that, within the provisions of the current Ayia Napa Policy Statement, for the implementation of the land exchange policy, main “donor” areas outside designated Development Areas and main “receiver” areas within designated Development Areas have been identified.
According to this provision, the implementation of an exchange system on an organized basis is encouraged.
This system is based on urban planning criteria and directs exchanges from selected “donor” areas to selected “receiver” areas.
Based on this provision, the following main “donor” and “receiver” areas are identified in the Ayia Napa region where the land exchange policy will be applied:
Main “donor” areas: National Forest Park of Cape Greco, Ayia Napa rock area (both sides of the regional road towards Cape Greco), Strgonovounaro area, and Multipurpose Park area.
Main “receiver” areas: Residential Zone Ka9a* Kokkines, Residential Zone Ka9a* Katspilas, Residential Zone Ka11** Agios Epifanios, Tourist Zone T5(E3) in Strgonovounaro area, and a part of Zone KGY2 (south of the Multipurpose Park bordering Ka9a* Kokkines).
Meanwhile, yesterday the Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos did not submit the Demolition Plan of the monastery that had been requested by the Environmental Authority.
After the expiration of the given deadline, the Ad-Hoc Committee is expected to reconvene to examine the potential impacts of the demolition works and set relevant terms for the execution of the demolition works and the implementation of restoration measures.
It is noted that the Holy Bishopric of Constantia and Ammochostos, following yesterday’s submission of the Hierarchical Appeal, assured the authorities that the works have stopped according to their instructions and will not continue under any circumstances.
It is highlighted that, according to the provisions of paragraph 3 of article 47 of the Town Planning and Spatial Planning Law, even if a Hierarchical Appeal is submitted, the part of the notice concerning the requirement to cease any construction or other works remains in effect.
