The changes in the energy law,
which we presented in our previous newsletter, passed first reading in the
energy commission in parliament on February 22, 2012. A wide public discussion
on the Bill for amendment of the Spatial Development Act was held on February
23. The proposed amendments are intended to delegate more power to local
authorities.
For instance,
municipal
councils will be able to approve detailed zoning plans for settlements of
national significance. At present, this is done by the minister of regional
development.
The licence regime for
construction consultants will be changed to a registration
regime
. The
amendment is related to the implementation of requirements of a European
Directive.
There are also some potentially problematic provisions. For example
land use redesignation of agricultural land will not be allowed in
municipalities which do not have a general zoning plan. At the same time,
the state, municipalities and investors with class A certificate will be allowed
to have a detailed zoning plan prepared even if no general zoning plan is in
place.