Restaurant owner in court over beach the owner of the ‘Kourion Beach" restaurant on one most of the most popular beaches in Limassol has been charged with erecting a building without a permit.

An extension to the restaurant now virtually reaches the water’s edge, leading to complaints from beach goers that they can no longer walk the length of the beach because the building blocks the path.The ongoing court case is being held on the British Base of Akrotiri which has jurisdiction over the area.

“Aren’t there laws to protect the beach?” asked one irate regular visitor to the beach who contacted the Sunday Mail last week after finding his walk obstructed by building works.On paper, at least, the answer to that is clear.

Under the Foreshore Protection Act dating back to British colonial rule, no one can build 91.4 metres (the equivalent of 100 yards) between the sea’s highest water mark and the foreshore without special permission.However, the law can be “relaxed” by Cabinet for reasons of national interest.“This is how most of our hotels have been built,” explained Glafkos Cariolou of Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s central foreshore committee.

Such actions can disturb the natural habitat and lead to coastal erosion.As a result of erosion, the size of the beach shrinks and the sea edges ever closer to buildings.However, a building might also end up closer to the sea because of natural erosion.

“This is what needs to be made clear [in the case of ("Kourion Beach"): did the sea meet the building or did the building meet the sea?” said Theopemptou. The court has to determine whether this has taken place in the case "Kourion Beach" and whether the building works are legal.

The beach, located near the ruins of an ancient city-kingdom, is well known for its natural beauty and historical interest. The ancient site hosts mosaics, baths, a stadium as well as a theatre used for cultural events. The beach attracts folk who enjoy the lack of development: due to its being located within the British Bases, the area is sparsely developed.

The restaurant’s owner, Marinos Prodromou, refused to comment on the court case which is due to resume on April 12th 2011.