Q.: Mr Loizou thank you very much for your article on the Nicosia walled city. You represent my views 150%. Well done. I am sending a copy of your article to the Minister of the Interior and I hope you do not mind.
Andreas Carseras

A.: Not at all Andreas. I have sent him a copy myself. Thank you for your support. Nicosia needs help from open minded people who have one purpose in mind, to make the walled city a good place to live (see the transformation of London Soho as one as well as other city centers, Austria, Belgrade etc). We must learn with an open mind but, are we, my friend, flogging a dead horse?

A.P. Loizou

Q.: I am writing an article on free Voices in Europe, not related to politicians. Your name has been introduced to me through my Cyprus friends who have sent to me several of your articles, as well as your Q+A column. What a lovely paper Cyprus Weekly is to host a person of your caliber and offer an unbiased view. I want to meet you and discuss the various issues that you report.
Clark Jeferson

A.: I publish your letter so that the editor gets to know the attraction that this paper has within as well as outside Cyprus. I thank you and I welcome a meeting with, the aim of which must be to make this country better for the benefit of all its residents.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: We have used the Pahna stone, as a paving in our patio, but after 6 months it has started flaking. We are very upset because it costed us £15/sq.m. and it seems that we have to replace it soon. We do not want to repeat the same mistake. Do you have any other suggestions Mr Loizou for alternative stone?
Jule & Jane Dinou

A.: You can opt for the Limassol stone which is much more durable or what it is known here as Karysto stone. The cost of these is similar. The Pahna stone is more white, the Limassol one is brownish and the Karysto is more grey. In terms of durability the Carysto stone is the best.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: Is an attic calculated in the building density Mr Loizou?
Michael Zorbas

A.: No, but there are parameters what an attic is. You cannot have an “ordinary” room with the full size/height and call it attic. Please consult your architect.
A.P. Loizou

Q.: What is a pergola Mr Loizou with respect to calculable building density?
Nero Neocleous

A.: It is a matter of interpretation by each planning authority. On the whole, if it is a wooden pergola 2” x 4” this is not calculated in the density (not necessarily the same with a concrete one). If of a wider width you must check with the local authority.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: I understand that if a plot of land is affected by up to 20% in its extent by a road widening scheme, then the building density is not lost and it is calculated on the original extent. If more then I am entitled for a compensation. Is this correct?
Woodland Philips


A.: If you own a building site (registered as such on the title deed) and your plot is affected by a road widening scheme, then yes you are correct. If your plot is land/ field, then no (what is calculated for building density purposes is the net area after the road scheme deduction). There are many other parameters including compensation etc.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: What is what I am hearing Mr Loizou? Title deeds will be issued upon the issue of the building permit, based on the Greek model? What do you think is this a good thing or are we going to take a down turn?
Charis Stavrou

A.: The Greek, model as you say, a “title” is issued based on the planning permit. No more certificates are required after that. If you build not in accord with the permit, you are liable to make good. If the authorities act on their own or based on a report, find out that what you have built is not in accord with the permit. I tend to agree with this Greek approach bearing in mind the 11 permits required during the process of the title issue and bearing in mind the inability of the authorities to handle/the volume of applications, this will solve the problem overnight but it requires a lot of exchange of ideas and work prior to its implementation. This approach is the developers’ idea and to be quite honest, I doubt that it will be adopted, at least not without a fight. We will see.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: Mr Silikiotis, the Minister of the Interior has announced in the press that local authorities will have the major say in the change of the town planning zones. Is this a good idea Mr Loizou?
Stelios Christou – ex Lands Officer

A.: A disaster I will say my dear reader and I wrote to the Minister my views. Can you imagine in a small community where everybody is a relative and the “coumbaros” network, with the members of the local authorities being elected, how can they take an objective decision? If this system goes ahead, within 15 years Cyprus will become one large building site division. What a mistake I must say.

A.P. Loizou
Q.: What a lovely article you wrote about Pissouri vllage. I live in Australia and I come from Pissouri village. I never thought that my village would have become so lovely, because “us locals” we know about it, but we need an outsider to tell us, so that we can believe in our village ourselves. Thank you on my behalf, as well as I am sure, on behalf of all Pissouri locals and foreign residents.
George Aniliades – Australia

Q.: I do hope that you kept some real estate in your village, since prices are going through the roof. As you might know we have a house at Pissouri and we love every minute of it. Pissouri should have been much more popular should locals come to know about it. From your letter, it appears that you read Cyprus Weekly in Australia. I do hope that the editor appreciates it! Many thanks.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: We are buying a home in a project where most of the units are sold to Russians. We do not know their attitude and behavior. What do you think Mr Loizou? Shall we go ahead or shall we listen to our local pub friends who say, don’t touch it?
(J&L) – name withheld

A.: My experience with Russian clients are contrary to your “pub friends” advices. They are all quiet and well behaved. They do not rent out their homes, so you will not have any unwelcome roudy tenants. I will have no hesitation at all to live amongst Russians. Go ahead my dear readers, but restrict your talking to your pub friends about football and other matters!!

A.P. Loizou



Q.: We have had our house delivered. The developer has charged us £35 for water meter installation yet the contract states that the house will have all public services. I know that it is not a lot of money, but do you think that this is correct?
John + Jenny – Pareklishia village

A.: Yes. The provision is one thing but the meter installation and connecting charge rests on the public authority. The same with the electricity connection, notwithstanding your “as a matter of principle” objection. I do not agree with you, especially when the cost is next to nothing my friends.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: How you come to know so many things Mr Loizou. I do not only read but I study your articles and your Q+A column and I discover all sorts of things relating to building, pools, gardens etc. Have you gained this out of experience, or you get information from others as well?
I love your column and I encourage you to carry on.
Jannet Jerry

A.: My dear madam age comes with experience. I wish I was younger and not to know the things you say I do. On certain occasions I do ask “others” who know better. Thank you for your encouragement.

A.P. Loizou

Q.: We are leaving Cyprus because of the economic crisis worldwide. WE just cannot afford to have a second home in Cyprus. Our shares investment have gone down, the sterling exchange rate is killing us financially and we even have to worry on our Bank deposits. On the event of our departure we wish to thank you on behalf of ourselves as well as other foreign people for responding just about to everybody who writes to you. We will keep reading the Cyprus Weekly and keep informed of this lovely country, which has hosted us for the last 8 years. We had such a lovely time during our stay.
Net & Natassa

A.: I am very sorry to hear of your situation dear readers. Better times will come, I am sure. In the capitalist states that we live, we will overcome it. I wish you all the best and I thank you for your loving letter and as I like to say in these sad occasions, “if you need a friend you will find in this paper a friend waiting”.

A.P. Loizou
 

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