The government will revise a ministerial decree to give District Organisations of Self-Government (DLGOs), rather than technocrats, the final say on development permits that have significant societal implications.
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou announced the decision following a meeting with DLGO presidents.
The revised decree will require the Department of Town Planning to refer certain cases to DLGO boards, including those with serious environmental issues, exceeding maximum building heights, or facing opposition from local authorities or residents.
“We’ve agreed to amend the decree to ensure DLGO boards are involved in cases with broader societal implications,” Ioannou told reporters following the meeting.
The minister emphasised that technocratic input would remain crucial, stating, “Necessary studies and processing by experts will still be carried out, always within the framework of legality.”
Minister Ioannou said that the aim is to balance development with public interest by incorporating social factors into the decision-making process.
The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) had previously supported delegating licensing powers to DLGO technocrats, citing their expertise in interpreting and applying relevant legislation.
The revised decree is expected to be issued in the coming days, according to the minister.
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