‘Implement zoning plan’
A PRESSURE group voiced fears this week that planning applications were continuing to be evaluated and approved under the Girne Decree because replacement town planning and zoning rules were still on hold.
Girne Initiative spokesman Birol Karaman called for the immediate implementation of the new Girne Çatalköy Town and Zoning Plan, approved by a joint committee two weeks ago but not in effect until published by the government.
Mr Karaman said: “A majority of local and central authorities approved these important solutions to the towns’ construction and environmental problems on January 19.
“However, we are still waiting for the relevant minister to sign it off so that it can be passed to the Prime Ministry for publication in the Official Gazette.”
He added that, according to his information, large numbers of applications were still being rubber-stamped by the Town Planning Department under the older rules, which could negate the advantages of stricter regulations brought in to protect towns and villages from overdevelopment. The new rules outlaw 10- and seven-storey development, introducing limits of up to four storeys.
The department fell under the remit in the last government of tourism and environment minister Fikri Ataoğlu, who told Cyprus Today on Thursday: “The draft plan was passed by a majority but there were some objections still to be addressed from members of the joint committee before it can be sent to the prime minister.”
He added that changes to the Karpaz decree forecast to be implemented last month had also been delayed but would be submitted to the prime minister once the new government was in place.
Çatalköy Mayor Mehmet Hulusioğlu said: “Implementation has been delayed while a new government is formed and it’s true that there is no obstacle to obtaining planning permissions at present, unethical as that might be.” A spokesman for Girne Municipality said: “We do not know whether permissions are being given but there are plenty in the pipeline for which we are obliged to issue building permits if they already have Town Planning Department approval.”
He added that the mammoth 23-month project to introduce modern town planning regulations was desperately needed to set firm limits for population density, building heights and percentage of plot useable for construction, to implement zoning, protect village centres and impose parking allocations.
Mr Karaman said the Girne Initiative also expected the new four-party coalition government to examine the legislation and planning approvals for evidence of “speculation”.