Minister Bačić held a meeting with representatives of AAUZ and HAZU on new Physical Planning Act

Today Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić, and associates, held a meeting with President of the Academy of Architectural Art and Science (AAUZ) Jerko Rošin and AAUZ members Stjepo Butijer and Tito Kosty, and scholar Nikola Bašić, who is also the Chair of the Scientific Council for Tourism and Space at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (HAZU).

The meeting was held at the initiative of the Deputy Prime Minister, following an intense public debate on the proposal of the new Physical Planning Act.

In an open and productive conversation, emphasis was placed on the need for a strategic approach to space as a unique and unrenewable resource. Both sides highlighted their openness to dialogue and mutual understanding of goals that connect the expert and the executive level - above all, the protection of space and good-quality planning based on key social development goals.

The stakeholders agreed that the legislative framework and subordinate acts must ensure long-term protection of space, preservation of landscape and identity and sustainable urban development. Minister Bačić presented the most recent adjustments to the proposal of the Physical Planning Act, whereby putting special emphasis on strong restrictions on building area expansion, especially in restricted zones. This represents a major step forward in space preservation.

Additional protection is introduced for the maritime domain and construction outside building areas. The proposal was accepted that projects in restricted space outside building areas should be permitted only in already developed, anthropogenic environments, while untouched natural space is completely protected. Scholar Bašić commended this provision, emphasising the importance of preserving the authenticity of space and traditional agriculture.

The conversation also focused on the balance between the need for accelerating the construction of affordable housing and the protection of spatial identity and cultural and social values. Upon amending the text, the Act will specify that affordable housing should be planned in integrated zones, not in secluded or remote areas.

The Act further emphasises the protection of autochthonous cultural and historical, architectural and landscape values through the obligation to apply architectural excellence that recognises the character and spirit of a place.

Minister Bačić confirmed that the Ministry is dedicated to protecting autochthonous Croatian landscape and announced the adoption of Apolitika as comprehensive guidelines of architectural and urban excellence, which will be developed with input from HAZU, the Croatian Chamber of Architects and the Academy of Architectural Art and Science of Croatia. Expert public will also be included in developing the National guidelines for improving the quality of space, architecture and construction.

The meeting affirmed the high level of joint responsibility towards the territory of the Republic of Croatia and the willingness to further improve approaches to its long-term protection. Measures such as the near-complete ban on condominium conversion of tourist objects and restrictions on mobile homes and glamping were welcomed, with remarks that clearer strategic vision of tourism is needed.

President of the Academy of Architectural Art and Science of Croatia Jerko Rošin expressed his satisfaction with the accepted proposals and highlighted the importance of spatial control and an efficient inspectorate in order to prevent abusive practice and illegal construction.

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