The conclusion of the National Transparency Authority on the case of the building permit for the hotel in Sarakiniko of Milos, to investigate possible criminal acts.

The investigation after the revelation of the case by protothema.gr brought to light a series of serious urban planning irregularities, institutional failures, and inactivity of the competent services, with the top issue being the approval of the construction of a tourist facility in an area without a “face” on a recognized road.

The finding is based on an audit carried out by the NCA on the hotel permit in the Kaminias area, near the protected geomorphological landscape of Sarakinikos. Despite the absence of basic urban planning requirements, such as the necessary frontage on an approved road, the Building Service of Milos granted building conditions and approved the permit in July 2024.

The NAD requests the revocation of this building permit, as well as the small-scale permit issued in January. In addition, it recommends that the Ministry of Environment clarify the legislation to the planning authorities and complete the establishment of protection measures for the site. It also proposes redefining the boundaries of the seashore and beach, as it was found to be “unduly narrow.”

The finding highlights that the land is located in a Wildlife Sanctuary, but no special restrictions have been established. At the same time, the permit was issued without an opinion from the Council of Architecture, without a decision from the relevant department of the Ministry of Culture, without beach boundaries, and without delineation of the stream that runs through the area. Moreover, environmental licensing was done piecemeal, only for the beds, ignoring additional facilities (such as a spa).

In fact, according to the finding, despite the case law of the Council of State (176/2023), no clear instructions have been given to the planning authorities for the requirement of a person on a recognized road. Instead, ambiguity is maintained, allowing the MDAs to interpret the law on off-plan construction as they see fit.

The finding highlights the responsibilities of the Building and Planning Department of Milos, which not only approved the building but also defended the legality of the permit to the inspectors. As the Authority notes, this planning department has issued hundreds of permits for properties without a “face” on a street on the islands of Milos, Sifnos, Kimolos, and Serifos.

The case acquires yet another dimension, as the head of the Milos YDOM, Elli Chorianopoulou, was recently appointed deputy head of the South Aegean Environment, while she has publicly supported positions that are now refuted by both the CoE and by the findings of the EAD.