Paphos municipality hopes to secure a court order to stop the demolition process of the historic home of Cyprus’ former ambassador to the US Andreas Iacovides which is situated near the municipal gardens.

“Most of the house, which although not a listed building is situated in a zone of historic interest, has already been demolished, but some walls, an underground area and a surrounding wall of major importance still remain,” acting mayor Makis Roussis told The Cyprus Daily yesterday.

“The case has already been reported to the police and our legal advisors went to court to secure an order to stop the demolition process so that the present owners will be obliged to construct a new building in the future further from the road and of the same character as the house,” he added.

The court will issue its ruling on Friday. 

The demolition process began last Friday by current owners Aristo Developers who bought the property in October 2012 for €1 million.
Dismissing criticism, Aristo chairman Theodoros Aristodemou argued the house was already in ruins when it was bought and had become a centre for anti-social activities and a public health risks.

He also said that after a fire in the spring of 2012 he received a series of complaints and requests for the house to be knocked down.

“The demolition took place after a full investigation confirmed that it was not a listed building,” Aristodemou said.

The demolition took place in line with regulations, he added.
Although the company, one of the island’s major land developers, has no immediate plans, it plans to develop it at some stage, he said.

http://www.incyprus.com.cy/en-gb/Blogs/4324/36725/court-bid