The Council of Dhekelia Communities Services held a protest today outside the Dhekelia Bases police station.
The Council, which represents the communities of Xylofagou, Xylotymbou, and Ormideia, expressed serious concern and frustration over what it described as ongoing delays on issues critical to the communities. These included the revision of the Policy Statement and Planning Zones, as well as the expansion of the Xylofagou quarry within the limits of the British Bases.
In a memorandum submitted to the Civil Administrator of the Dhekelia British Bases, Maria Kyriakidou, the Council stated that despite repeated assurances that relevant decisions would be made in a timely manner, no official or binding response had been issued. The prolonged delays, the Council said, amounted to a “failure to meet commitments with serious social, economic, and developmental impacts” for the communities.
Nine years in the making
“The residents of these communities, who own property, pay taxes, and contribute to the area, are not second-class citizens. They should not be forced to apply for planning permits from two separate authorities, facing delays and additional difficulties,” the memorandum said.
The Council noted that many residents had been waiting since 2022 for the publication of the revised Policy Statement, hoping for additional development rights, or at least to be informed of the outcome of submitted objections so that they could plan for the future.
“Since 2018, the request to expand the Xylofagou quarry has remained pending. We are now in the ninth year of a process marked by repeated delays and obstacles. Despite the professionalism, cooperation, and patience of those involved, there has been no substantial response from the British Bases,” the memorandum added.
Consequences on employment
The Council warned that quarry operations are at risk of closing due to depleted reserves, which could have immediate consequences on construction costs, employment, public works, and the local economy in both the Famagusta and Larnaca districts.
Sotiris Kekkouris, Mayor of Xylotymbou and President of the Council, said the protest was necessary after persistent efforts to advance the new planning zones and the quarry expansion. He stressed that these issues directly affect local development and residents’ quality of life and called for “immediate and substantive consideration of our requests through dialogue, transparency, and respect for the communities.”
The memorandum was read aloud during the protest and, after approval by those present, submitted to Civil Administrator Maria Kyriakidou, with a request to forward it to the British Bases leadership and the UK embassy in Cyprus. Kyriakidou confirmed that the memorandum would be sent to central administration for further review.
Socio-economic impact
The Council insisted on “clear, binding decisions, fair and balanced planning policy, and the right of residents to remain, develop, and prosper in their communities.” It also called for urgent resolution of the quarry issue to ensure continued employment and avoid socio-economic consequences.
The British Bases administration stated that it respects the right to peaceful and lawful protest. It added that the Non-Military Development Plan, first agreed between the Republic of Cyprus and the UK government in 2014, was designed to establish planning zones within the Bases for the first time since 1960. Policy statements and related planning zones were published in May 2022 and remain in force. Objections submitted following the publication are nearing completion, with final non-military development zones expected to be published in spring 2026.
The administration also confirmed its full commitment to supporting quarry operators in line with legal requirements.
Fair and equal treatment
Angelos Hadjicharalambous, President of the Larnaca District Local Authority, voiced his full support for the Council’s requests, describing them as well-founded and highlighting the communities’ right to equitable treatment.
Community leaders reiterated that residents are not seeking special privileges but demand fair and equal treatment. They warned that further, more intensified actions could follow if prompt decisions are not made.
The protest was conducted under strict security measures by the Dhekelia Bases Police.