The Municipal Committee of the Municipality of Thira issued a positive recommendation on a proposed expansion of the boundaries of the settlement of Fira, while giving a negative opinion on the proposed expansion of the boundaries of the settlement of Kamari.
In the proposed expansion, it is stressed that the construction of tourist units must be completely prohibited and that only the construction of residential housing should be permitted. The expansion zone also includes the area of the stadium.
Of the total area proposed for expansion, approximately 45% consists of built-up land and the remaining 55% is undeveloped. Therefore, with the proposed expansion, approximately 143 stremmas of undeveloped land will gain the possibility of residential development.
As noted, the settlement of Fira has almost exhausted its capacity for residential coverage, as there are no longer undeveloped areas that meet the conditions for development, given that the required implementation acts for the opening of the designated public spaces have not been prepared.
It is further observed that adjacent out-of-plan areas have been built up without an urban plan, mainly on the southern side of the settlement, resulting in the presence of luxury tourist units in areas lacking the necessary infrastructure (road network, public utility services such as water supply and sewage, etc.). As a result, the area is generally downgraded and the urban continuity of the settlement is disrupted.
With the urban planning of the area, the necessary road network for its proper functioning will be created, land uses will be defined, the required infrastructure for the orderly operation of the settlement will be developed, and overall this area will be upgraded.
Beyond the above, the free availability of housing for short-term rentals has removed a significant number of available homes from the long-term rental market. This fact, combined with the lack of available land for the construction of new housing, has resulted in a pronounced housing shortage on the island, particularly of quality housing for employees in both the public sector and the private sector.
