Mykonos Set to Implement Stricter Building Regulations as Tensions Rise

Mykonos is set to enter a new era of urban planning with the introduction of a proposed Special Urban Plan (SPP) that will impose stricter limits on construction, particularly for housing and tourist accommodation.

The plan has sparked significant local debate, with strong reactions from both residents and stakeholders.

The presentation of the SPP, held yesterday at the Grypario Cultural Centre, revealed key provisions that could dramatically reshape the island’s development. The plan aims to limit real estate construction by increasing the minimum plot sizes required for residential and tourist properties. Currently, 10 acres are needed for tourist accommodation and 4 acres for housing. Under the new proposals, these requirements would rise to 30 and 8 acres, respectively.

The SPP also envisions the creation of a single tourism-recreation zone in the southern part of the island, with a reduction in the building factor for tourist accommodations. In Mykonos town, the building factor would drop from 0.15 to 0.12, while in Ano Mera, it would remain unchanged. Additionally, tourist accommodation development will be contingent upon the completion of vital infrastructure projects, including water supply, drainage, waste management, and roads, expected to be completed within five years.

Secretary General for Spatial Planning, Efthymios Bakoyannis, who led the presentation, emphasised that the plan includes flexibility. After five years, if infrastructure projects are successfully implemented, the island could reduce the required plot sizes by up to 50%, though no plots could be reduced to less than 4 acres. This is designed to align the island’s infrastructure capacity with its growing tourism industry.

The proposed plan also introduces several protected areas on the island. Zones defined as "landscape protection" will cover areas above the 100-metre isobath, including hills and rocky outcrops, as well as steep coastal areas unsuitable for development. Meanwhile, "mild tourism" zones will be located on the western coast, Diakofti Peninsula, and around the Marathi reservoir, where development will be tightly controlled, limiting tourist accommodations to 50 beds per plot.

Another significant proposal includes the creation of an agri-food zone, which would be located in Mykonos' only lowland area suitable for irrigation. Furthermore, the plan earmarks specific zones for productive activities, including environmental infrastructure, near the northeastern end of the island.

The SPP also seeks to address employee housing needs with the designation of areas for social housing, where the minimum plot size will be two acres. At the same time, it aims to create a "residential dipole" between the two main settlements of Mykonos, Chora and Ano Mera. Chora will focus on redevelopment of its coastal front, while Ano Mera will be promoted as a center for alternative tourism.

As the plan progresses, limited extensions to settlements in Mykonos Town, Agios Stefanos, Turlos, and Ano Mera are proposed, in line with a projected population increase by 2040. The proposed urban and transport upgrades will focus on improving the areas from Agios Stefanos to Ornos, with particular attention given to Mykonos Town.

The SPP has been developed with consideration for recent rulings by the Council of State regarding island building regulations, ensuring compatibility with legal precedents. The overarching goal is to balance tourism development with environmental protection.

Local residents and stakeholders have five days to submit their feedback on the plan through the government’s online platform. A consultation on the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEA) will follow later.

(Source: In.gr)