Over 2.500 new licences have been issued using the new modernised procedure that came into force from October 2021, Interior Minister Nikos Nouris said in his address to the 29th Annual General Assembly of the Cyprus Civil Engineers Association. He added that from next June, fast-track permitting will also take place for larger and more complex developments, as the ministry's goal is for large investments costing more than €25 million to secure all required permits within 12 months.
In his address, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry, Mr. Nouris also referred to the extension of the Urban Incentive Plans until the end of 2022. "The Ministry of Interior has evaluated the results of these Plans, which were first implemented in 2013, and has assessed the results as positive, which is why it has continued to provide them since then," he noted, adding that citizens and investors are showing great interest in their use.
Regarding the state's housing policy, Mr. Nouris noted that the Ministry aims to revitalize and stimulate the countryside, especially in mountainous, disadvantaged and marginal areas, where there is a strong phenomenon of population decline and living conditions present particular challenges.
He announced that the relevant measures will be reinforced in 2022, as the appropriations to be channelled in 2022, in terms of housing policy funds for the countryside, have tripled compared to 2021.
"The objectives of the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities are being implemented and the number of applicants has already exceeded expectations. This is set to be further enhanced through the expansion of eligible areas and even more attractive incentives that will be announced the day after Monday at the presentation of the new housing policy," he said.
At the same time, he recalled that the state has decided to fund the affordable housing and affordable rent projects through the revenues to be received from the upcoming casino operation, with 15% of the net revenues to be allocated to the Cyprus Land Development Agency to support the housing projects.
"In total, spending on housing projects currently stands at €125 million for 2022, a 25% increase compared to 2021 and double the spending in 2018," he noted.
Compact development of urban areas can be achieved through the implementation of Urban Redevelopment, he said. As he noted, it is essential that existing residential zones are rationally utilized, their expansion is limited and idle land is utilized in order to reduce interference with the natural environment and ensure its protection.
The Development Plans will also be directed in this direction in their upcoming, modernized revision, he said.
"Their amendment aims to create a modern spatial and urban planning. The aim is for urban and spatial planning to create an urban model that can cope with adverse changes and threats through its adaptability and resilience."
In addition, the Interior Minister said that a large part of the mission and vision of the Ministry of Interior is being implemented by the Department of Planning and Zoning, with the promotion of a number of planning projects.
"Improving the quality of life of citizens, revitalising areas in the urban centre and the countryside, improving mobility and road safety are the axes around which our Urban Planning Projects revolve," he said.
Within the framework of the Development Plans, the redevelopment of historic cores, the development of squares and social spaces, the development of coastal fronts and the development of linear parks inside and outside the urban fabric are being implemented.
He noted that the construction of the buildings of the three Ministries of Interior, Transport and Justice on the site of the Archi-secretariat stands out among the projects that have been rolled out, as well as the ambitious project for the revitalization of the walled city of Nicosia with the transfer of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Cyprus and the granting of generous incentives for the development of student residences and more.
Finally, the Minister referred to the three programmes being implemented in relation to the housing of displaced persons. The first one concerns the reconstruction, repair and radical improvement of buildings in the Government Settlements, where so far 140 million euros worth of projects have been implemented, while 13 million euros worth of projects are underway, he said.
The second project concerns the "Assessment of the structural adequacy of existing apartment buildings in the Governmental Settlements Pancyprian", in order to find a solution for a holistic and radical approach to the issue of staticity of buildings.
Meanwhile, he noted that through the third programme concerning the "Addition of lifts to existing blocks of flats", lifts have so far been installed in 115 blocks of flats out of a total of 368, with another 60 cases being at the stage of implementation or design preparation. He added that in the Medium Term Financial Framework 2022-2024, an additional budget is included to complete these projects.
Source: CNA
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