Construction of a hotel at the famed Sarakiniko Beach has been halted following a wave of protests, despite the developer reportedly possessing seven valid building permits.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy issued the stop-work order after public and media pressure.
The project's fate now likely rests with the courts, given the numerous permits obtained for the site, a unique, moonscape-like formation of volcanic rock on Milos' north shore. Milos Mayor Manolis Mikelis questioned how the permits were issued in an interview with MEGA Channel.
He explained that permits require supporting studies and approvals before reaching the Milos building office, which is responsible for verifying their correctness.
Mr. Mikelis also cited severe staff shortages at the building office, noting it serves four islands with only an intern and an urban planner, while the company's engineer registers the permit.
He further Tblamed the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) for approving the environmental impact study for Sarakiniko Beach.
“All of the permits will be scrutinized,” he said. “Who’s undermining our island without our approval?” He added that construction began just 10 days ago.
According to ot.gr, seven permits were issued by various state entities: an environmental impact study by the regional authority; approval from the architectural council based on Syros; the forestry directorate; the Cyclades antiquities ephorate; the Decentralized Administration for the Aegean; a permit for a power substation; and the final permit from the Milos building office.