SODAP Beach Update

[Dominic]

There was recently a bit of a kerfuffle in the press about the new cafe that is being built at the SODAP beach in Paphos. We couldn't help notice that the pictures used all showed the beach from one angle. So we took a New Year's Eve trip down to the coast, to get a clearer picture. Now you can judge for yourself just how much of an encroachment this cafe will be.

Read the article and chat about it below...
 

sodap-beach-update_masthead.jpg (131.88 KiB) Viewed 6221 times

 

[cyprusmax47]

Thank you for showing us the real situation at Sodap Municipally beach. As usual, the article in the Press with photos only from one side of the beach is another example of bad journalism. The whole post is biased and is just another political statement from the Green Party...
https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/12/20/the- ... hos-beach/

Max

[Maggie B]

Aww Mannn, I can see through that frustrated steely frown in a heartbeat! (Marshmallow) Thankyou for that wee blog.

Happy New Year Dominic to you and YOURS.

Also, I would like to wish the many people who post on this forum regularly, and I have been fortunate enough to meet in person, a positive Two Thousand and Twenty One.

Maggie B

[Kili01]

We walked along this stretch of coast last week end when there were lots of people around.
We took a good look at this concrete monstrosity! It may look better when it is finished, but our group was unanimous that it should never have had planning permission in the first place.
It has set a precedent, how long before other beaches are disfigured in the same way?
And its un necessary, there are plenty of places where people can get snacks, drinks and indeed meals in Kato Paphos.
When there is a bad storm, the waves will pound any exposed glass windows.
No doubt all the usual 'yes men' who always seem to agree that every new eyesore is a thing of beauty will rise to decry what I and others feel.
Dee

[Dominic]

I am sure the yes men will be quick to call you an irrelevent old fossil.

[Dominic]

Couldn't agree more.

[bromerzz]

Surely it breaks all building regs as it is within 100m of the high tide mark?

[trevnhil]

There is a kiosk on the Harbour that would break that rule. Is there such a rule ?..

[Kili01]

Dominic, your remark about me was uncalled for. Just because you are always right.
Surely, a man with great computer skills should appreciate that toleration of other peoples views should always be respected.

As a matter of interest when we first came here planning for residential development
in the coastal areas outside Paphos had to built 300 metres back from the coast. Since then building developments have crept ever closer. For a long time any building on or very close to public beaches was banned. As bromerzz said the front of that building really encroaches on the waterline. Especially as its on the west coast which is very exposed to storm force winds and waves.

Dee

[Dominic]

You can talk. If you make rude comments like "No doubt all the usual 'yes men' who always seem to agree that every new eyesore is a thing of beauty will rise to decry what I and others feel." you can expect rudeness in return.

[sued51]

We were down there today and think it looks like it will be really good when finished and certainly not an eyesore, definitely an improvement on the old Sodap winery which was a disgrace for many years - I only hope it doesn’t get wrecked by a storm as it is close to the sea.

I think there is a need for a cafe/bar of some description around there as other than hotels there is nowhere to get a drink/snack/toilet facilities anywhere along the coastal path between Ta Bania and the caravan next to Cypria Bay and as has been pointed out it is a replacement for an existing cafe.

[The Aquila]

Surely it breaks all building regs as it is within 100m of the high tide mark?

If there is a such a rule then the majority of Poseidonos Avenue would also be illegal

[Kili01]

Sued51, There is an excellent place for coffee, drinks, snacks etc near by. Its actually on a plot next to the Alexander the Great Hotel with its own car park behind.. Though its not obvious from the coastal path, as its above it. You need to walk up some steps, and its on your right hand side. It's called The Deck.
Its been therefor several years now, but it is spacious, you can sit inside or out, Lovely views to the sea through some trees.
Its well protected from the winds and waves!
So it's not true that there is no where to enjoy a coffee or whatever!
Dee

[Jim B]

Yes Dee, the place you mentioned is called "The Deck" which we frequent alot in summer though we did hear rumours that it was being demolished due to the expansion of the new Amavi hotel next door. Possibly that's why they are building this new place.
As said this is only a rumour which I heard from a friend who works for Kanikas who operate the Alexander the Great and the Amavi.

Jim

[Kili01]

Thanks for that info, Jim B. I didn't know. But being resident in Paphos I will try to pop in to see if I can find any info. Though that may be difficult at present as all restaurants, tavernas, bars,inc coffee bars are presently closed.

Dee

[bromerzz]

I was under the impression that there was a 100m rule, and it gets confused by the 4 year rule on objections to builds without permission. Not that interested really but see no grounds for a structure such as this new one to be permitted, it should be demolished.
Nigel Howarth covers the subject in the link below, old but I think still applicable.
https://www.news.cyprus-property-buyers ... n/id=00103

[Lofos-Jan]

I am all for new and modern upgrades but I cannot understand why this was allowed to be built on the beach itself. The Deck is above the coastal path. There is one beach in Kato Paphos and a reasonable chunk of it has been taken by this building. If there was a mile stretch of sandy beach it would be easier to understand.

Jeanne

[Dominic]

Kato Paphos actually has a few beaches.

https://www.paphoslife.com/directory/category/beach

[Kili01]

Is Lighthouse Beach next on the list to be built on? It has had that cafe on stilts for ages.
But it manages to exist without tons of concrete.

Dee