Subject: Issuance of Building Permit for Winery in Armou, Paphos

TO: Ministry of Interior and Construction of Cyprus

Dear Sirs and Madams,

The Paphos Planning Department, after examining our request for a hierarchical appeal, gave us BINDING preliminary opinions, assuring us that with this document they are obliged to issue us a building permit.

For two years, we have been addressing (begging) the Paphos Planning Department to examine our request for a building permit. They assured us that they would issue us a building permit if we managed to get positive preliminary opinions from all departments, which we did. And they kept telling us to make the changes they asked for, except for the change of location.

During this two-year period, we have been subjected to unjustified repeated obstacles and delays, which led us to submit two written complaints, one and two years respectively after our initial application.

1. First written complaint: Immediately after submitting our first written complaint, the L.L. Provincial Planning Officer of Paphos (Director) called us and told us not to make another written complaint because they are recorded and have problems with promotions and salary increases.

2. Second written complaint: Our application was examined immediately (record time) and G.S., a fixed-term technician, called me and expressed her complaint in an annoyed tone and asked me for explanations as to why I was making a written complaint. She then told me that she would not issue me a building permit because it is forbidden to issue a permit on a top/ridge.

Consequences for planners: None, on the contrary, promotion to EOA

Consequences for us: Thousands of expenses + loss of 3 years + loss of income

Consequences for the state: Loss of income + Loss of citizens' trust + Damage to its reputation.

Waiting time to date: 1156 days

Processing time by you: 349 days

Is this the Rule of Law you want us to live and uphold?

Sincerely,

Additional Notes:

• The letter highlights the long delays and bureaucratic obstacles faced by the applicant in obtaining a building permit.

• It raises concerns about alleged misconduct and intimidation by planning officials in response to written complaints.

• It emphasizes the financial and personal costs incurred by the applicant due to the delays.

• It appeals to the Ministry of Interior and Construction to intervene and ensure fair and efficient processing of the building permit application.

The letter effectively conveys the frustration and desperation of the applicant, who feels trapped in a system that seems to be working against them. It raises serious questions about the accountability and transparency of the planning department and calls for urgent action to address the situation.