The Role of Spatial Plans Adopted at the Local Level in the Spatial Planning Systems of Central and Eastern European Countries

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of spatial plans at the local level. The aims of this paper are (1) extracting the characteristics of local spatial plans that can be compared more broadly (2) identifying, on this basis, the role of spatial plans at the local level in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In achieving these aims, the authors have critically examined spatial plans and their performance, as well as the planning systems they belong to. Hence, they have investigated the types of local plans in each country, their legal features, and the layout of their content. This examination has revealed a host of problems in the workings of the CEE planning systems. The article highlights those spatial planning issues that could be the subject of more in-depth international comparisons. The study provides additional evidence that in countries where spatial plans are legislated, there are more (mutually differentiated) legal problems in their application. Such problems have been analyzed. Besides procedural problems, discrepancies between the contents of different types of plans (e.g., general plans and detailed plans) are very often a problem. The paper also proposes a novel method for detailed comparisons of selected aspects of spatial plans. It can be applied to a large number of countries and also to other aspects of spatial planning. Last but not least, the paper emphasizes the need for a detailed multi-stage consultation of each aspect to be compared.

Objectives of Spatial Planning in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries. Analysis of Selected Case Studies

“…Other studies that have been carried out show that there is a significant problem with the implementation of spatial plans at the local level in a large number of countries [2]. The studies show that these plans are not coordinated with other spatial planning instruments, and even less so, with strategic planning instruments.…”

“…This article is a continuation of previous research on the countries indicated. In particular, common features and differences related to spatial plans at the local level have been analyzed [2]. Other research shows that there are serious systemic problems in the individual countries of the region (Ukraine and Poland were analyzed in detail) [3].…”

Italy vs. Poland: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Planning System Attitudes toward Adaptation to Climate Changes and Green Infrastructures

“…Similarly, other central and eastern European countries restructured their spatial planning and management system. For most countries, this restructuration has been steered and eased by the process of adhesion to the European Union [41][42][43].…”

The influence of the real estate market on the economic development of Constanța County

“…), by the real estate characteristics, which influence the profitability of the investment (Chmielewska, Ciski and Renigier-Biłozor, 2022), as well as by local public administration decisions in the field of urbanism, so as to allow the development of different types of projects (Stan, 2021a). Authorities in the field of planning must consider economic, socio-cultural structures, administrative forms and priorities (Stan and Vintilă, 2021a) as plans delineate areas, define development parameters and impose restrictions on development and in relation to the real estate market (Nowak et al, 2022).…”