Greece’s Central Archaeological Council cancels permission for building near Acropolis

Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS) revoked its decision to allow a construction company to erect a new nine-floor building in the Koukaki neighbourhood, near the Acropolis, saying it would obstruct the view of the Acropolis Hill.

The KAS had initially given the green light to the construction of a high-rise building on Misarilotou St. However, the building together with a second on Falirou St in the Makrygianni district – both in the immediate surrounding area of the Acropolis, spurred the strong reaction of locals in February, who are claiming that the buildings are located within the archaeological area of the Acropolis, and that once completed will block the view to the world famous UNESCO heritage site.

This in turn prompted the environment and culture ministries to investigate possible gaps in current zoning laws that would allow such interventions. In the meantime, Greek authorities were at a loss over the approval of the building permits.

Earlier this month, Greek Environment Minister Giorgos Stathakis temporarily suspended all new building permits for building projects in the area surrounding the Acropolis after the public uproar.

Now the KAS – following an on-the-spot inspection on March 4 of the said construction has unanimously agreed that the 32-meter-tall building once completed will “cause, among others, visual damage to the Acropolis monument”.

The committee also concluded that the building would not fit in with the overall urban setting, and in terms of height would exceed adjacent buildings.

*Source: GTPHeadlines