THE TOWN Planning Amnesty is a one-off opportunity enabling minor planning irregularities of buildings in Cyprus to be legalised. Those wishing to take advantage of the amnesty must apply, or reserve the right to apply, by 7th October at the very latest.
After 7th October, applicants who have reserved the right to apply by submitting a ‘Statement of Intent’ have three years to apply to the relevant Town Planning or Building Authority for a Certificate of Final Approval. This Certificate is required before the all important Title Deed for the property can be issued.
We have published more than twenty articles about the Amnesty, including the Planning Amnesty Bulletin from the Interior Ministry explaining the temporary and permanent provisions of the amended laws, lists of architects and engineers prepared to assist in making applications, penalty payments payable where the planning infringement involves overbuilding, a Town Planning Amnesty statement of intent DIY guide for those wishing to submit applications and Town Planning Amnesty explained – a presentation given by Yiannis Koutsolambros.
Although there are estimated to be around 100,000 buildings with minor planning irregularities, only some 1,800 amnesty applications have been made to date.
But now time is of the essence and those wishing to submit a ‘Statement of Intent’ need to do so without further delay.
Are there planning infringements?
FROM the emails we receive, many people do not know whether their building suffers from planning infringements or not.
In these cases, they can apply to their District Office for certified copies of their Planning/Building permits and approved drawings. They will need the number of the Planning/Building permit, a copy of their contract and proof of their identity (an ID card or passport).
The certified copies will cost €27 but they will get the actual documents relating to their property. It should then be easy for most people to see if their property was built in accordance with the permit. In Paphos, the District Office has promised to issue the documents on the same day.
Those who are unable to obtain the number of their Planning/Building permit should speak with the planning officer responsible for their area who should be able to advise and provide them with a certified copy of the documents.
Those who have difficulty in interpreting the plans should seek the assistance of an architect or engineer who will also help with submissions if needed.
(We understand that the Interior Minister wishes to extend the amnesty deadline. And as Parliament convenes every Thursday, we expect that an announcement to this effect will be made either later this week or next).