Interior Minister announces urban planning incentives plan for developments in education sector

The Council of Ministers has approved a special plan with urban planning incentives for developments in the primary and secondary education sectors.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Minister of the Interior Constantinos Ioannou said that the government considers education to be one of the key pillars of the state's strategy for societal and economic growth. As such, it has approved this special plan to expand and upgrade the island’s private educational infrastructure.

According to the Minister, recent geopolitical developments in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean have led to a significant influx of foreign nationals seeking residence and employment in the Republic, creating a demand for additional infrastructure to accommodate them.

"In this context, the continuously changing and increasing number of individuals from European and third countries has necessitated the development of new private educational institutions as well as the improvement of existing ones,” said Ioannou. “Based on this reality, a special Urban Planning Incentive Plan was designed specifically for primary and secondary education institutions, taking into account their unique characteristics."

The urban planning incentives will go towards upgrading existing private schools and creating opportunities to develop new model schools.

The Minister further explained that by utilising the plan, existing educational institutions will have the opportunity to expand and modify their facilities, with the dual goal of enhancing their infrastructure and meeting the educational needs of a growing student population.

"At the same time, the plan includes conditions that align with the government’s broader policy to attract and facilitate investments from both Cyprus and abroad, given the prospects within the education sector," he added.

Fast-track licensing process

Among other provisions, the plan grants an increased building coefficient ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on the development area. Additionally, it allows for deviations from the standard Development Plan requirements regarding the size of open spaces and sports facilities, permitting a reduction of up to 25%, provided that the Ministry of Education gives its approval.

According to the Minister, the submission and review of applications under the Plan’s provisions will follow a simplified fast-track licensing process, giving them priority.

It is also noted that, for all types of educational institutions, the Department of Town Planning and Housing will remain the responsible authority for urban planning permits.

The Plan will be in effect for one year, after which its performance will be evaluated.

The Minister further emphasised the importance of linking this plan to the government’s housing policy. Specifically, 20% of the value of the building coefficient excess will be allocated to the Special Fund of the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG) for affordable housing, supporting the implementation of the Corporation’s programs.