Environmental organisation Terra Cypria has alleged that large-scale construction works are continuing in the abandoned village of Trozena in Limassol district without environmental approval, planning permission or a building permit.
According to the organisation, the earthworks and construction activities are taking place within the Ha Potami Special Protection Area and close to the Ha Potami Special Area of Conservation, both part of the Natura 2000 network.
Terra Cypria is calling on the Department of Environment to ensure the immediate enforcement of environmental legislation and uphold public access to environmental information.
The organisation says the Environmental Authority has yet to respond to repeated requests for information regarding the works, licensing procedures and any measures taken by the relevant authorities.
Redevelopment plan under scrutiny
The case concerns a broader plan to rebuild and revitalise the abandoned villages of Trozena and Gerovasa.
A Special Ecological Assessment for the project was submitted in August 2025 and examined by the competent committee on 10 February 2026.
According to Terra Cypria, committee members were informed during that meeting that extensive earthworks and construction activities had already begun.
Two days later, the organisation sent a letter to the Department of Environment requesting additional information and clarifications.
A second letter followed on 8 May 2026, after the issue gained attention through social media posts and media reports.
Works allegedly ongoing
Terra Cypria said a new site visit carried out on 21 July 2026 found that construction activities were continuing both inside and outside the plots earmarked for the proposed development.
The organisation claims the works are taking place entirely within the Ha Potami Special Protection Area and extend beyond the designated development boundary.
According to the statement, the affected zones include residential planning areas, nature protection zones, water protection areas and protected landscape areas within the Trozena-Gerovasa gorge.
Call for intervention
Having received no response to its previous correspondence, Terra Cypria sent a new request to the Environmental Authority on 22 July 2026 seeking information on any action taken by the Department of Environment, the Game and Fauna Service and the Limassol District Local Government Organisation.
The organisation also asked whether the Department of Environment intends to continue assessing the proposed project in light of relevant case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Supreme Court of Cyprus and the Administrative Court, as well as legal opinions issued by the Law Office.
Terra Cypria stressed that environmental assessments must be completed before any permit is granted and before works commence.
It argued that developers cannot simultaneously seek planning approval while carrying out earthworks or construction without the necessary authorisations.
The organisation called on the competent authorities to take all measures available under the law, saying environmental protection, the public interest and compliance with planning and environmental procedures must be safeguarded.
