Approval Granted for €15 Million Residential Complex in Troodos Mountains

The Environmental Protection Department of the Republic of Cyprus has granted permission for the construction of a new residential complex in the mountain village of Pano Platres. The project is estimated to cost around €15 million.

According to Philenews, the initial application for the construction of the "Nightingale" residential complex included plans for nine buildings and a biological wastewater treatment plant. An on-site inspection was conducted jointly with representatives from the forestry and water departments, geological survey representatives, and representatives from the Game and Fauna Service, along with representatives from the construction company, to evaluate the proposed project.

During the inspection, conclusions were drawn by the departments and services regarding the placement of three buildings on the slopes of the mountain near the Kryos River, as well as the placement of the biological treatment plant on steep, sloping terrain. This aspect of the project raised questions among the services and departments.

The complex is planned to be built on steep slopes near the Kryos River, one of the three main rivers flowing into the reservoir of the Kouris Dam. The majority of the project area falls within the Immediate Protection Zone (KZP) of the Kouris Dam reservoir, with the remaining part falling within the Extended Protection Zone (WZP) of the reservoir. Additionally, it is proposed to fell approximately 70 pine trees aged between 25 and 50 years, as well as 10 shrubs, to accommodate the project.

Following the conclusions, the construction company decided to withdraw the information report and the architectural project presented.

Subsequently, revised plans and additional information were submitted. The new project removed three buildings that were located on a steep slope near the Kryos River bed. Additionally, the construction of the urban wastewater biological treatment plant was canceled as it was situated on a steep slope above the Millomeri waterfall trail.

After the revised project and the submission of additional data, the Department of Forestry stated that it had no objections to the ecological permit for development.