Citizen takes building permit dispute to ECHR
A Greek citizen has filed a case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after the Council of State annulled his 2022 building permit following a challenge by the Municipality of Alimos.
The applicant claims the ruling violated his property rights and right to a fair trial, arguing he suffered financial loss without compensation, unlike others who began construction before court challenges.
Greece’s top court ruled in 2024 and 2025 that certain planning incentives were unconstitutional – even retroactively. The complainant also disputes the government’s new “environmental offset” law introduced last week, saying it imposes disproportionate financial burdens instead of offering real compensation.
According to attorney Andreas Papapetropoulos, the court’s decision created unequal treatment by protecting only those who had started building by December 11. The applicant seeks either financial compensation or a retrial.
This is the first ECHR appeal related to the Council of State’s ruling. Further appeals may follow, potentially exposing legislative flaws of the Environment Ministry.
Kathimerini
