Minister dismisses Zagreb mayor's accusations over Urban Development Plan

Hina - Physical Planning Minister Branko Bačić on Saturday dismissed Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević's accusations that the ministry was "splitting hairs" over amendments to the city's Urban Development Plan (GUP) by requesting additional corrections, saying the GUP does not comply with the law.

Minister Bačić said the law does not allow the GUP to require private landowners to conduct architectural-urban planning calls for development on their properties.

He added that while private investors can choose to hold such calls, the GUP cannot impose this requirement unless explicitly mandated by law.

The minister said authorities cannot restrict people from obtaining a location permit in areas where the law states it should be granted. He argued that it is unreasonable to deny permits until an urban development plan is completed, as such plans typically take 10 to 15 years to draft.

Minister Bačić said these were two key issues with Zagreb's GUP, acknowledging that some corrections were made, but certain provisions still remain that the ministry opposes.

He said the ministry encourages, rather than obstructs, the city in holding architectural-urban planning calls for public buildings.

Minister Bačić also criticised Tomašević for presenting himself as a "defender of local government" while failing to conduct a call for one of his most significant projects - the renovation of the Kranjčevićeva stadium.

Asked whether the ministry would complete its review of Zagreb’s GUP corrections before the 10 April City Assembly session, Bačić said the city’s planning office could make the corrections, but the ministry would still need to verify that all required adjustments had been made.

He noted that the ministry expected Zagreb's GUP to be finalised by February, questioning why the city had delayed it.

Minister Bačić further pointed out that other local governments were also nearing the end of their current mandates, yet no other mayor had publicly criticised the ministry, except for Tomašević.

Earlier today, Tomašević reiterated that the ministry's second demand for corrections amounted to "splitting hairs" but said he would comply and expects the GUP to be approved on 10 April.

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