We want to change our environment for the better. Our space must correspond to our daily needs. New housing estates should be designed to ensure a close proximity to a shop, a bus or tram stop, school, kindergarten or park.  The pandemic has clearly shown how much we need recreational areas near our house. People will soon move out of houses with no greenery around them. Sub-urbanisation will intensify and accelerate the de-population of cities. We do not want to let it happen

- said Minister Anna Kornecka.

Space is a natural treasure of special value, so we should attach special importance to its protection in order to ensure adequate life quality to inhabitants

- stressed architect Tomasz Sławiński, Ph.D., the Chairman of the Main Urban Planning and Architectural Commission.

The aim of the planned reform is to simplify the spatial planning system. To ensure the transparency of planning actions undertaken by local governments

- added architect Tomasz Sławiński, Ph.D.

The reform of the spatial planning system is aimed at its simplification and regulation as well as adaptation to the changing environment. The current system ensures much freedom in the investment layout, which leads to chaotic and costly space management. The preparation of assumptions of the reform focuses on the protection of undeveloped areas, environment protection, simpler rules of property protection, restoration of space aesthetics, or the release of attractive lands to supplement the existing building arrangement. The reform will be a response to problems faced by modern cities: sub-urbanisation, spreading of building arrangement or urban heat islands. The new assumptions will also stimulate the activity of society. More transparent and inclusive procedures will contribute to this.

Spatial planning reform in the NRP

The National Reconstruction Plan is the document that establishes goals related to the restoration and creation of Poland’s social-economic resilience after the pandemic crisis. It forms a basis for the assignment of 57 bn EUR in the form of subsidies and loans. The ‘Resilience and competitiveness of economy’ component of the NRP project contains also spatial planning reform, for which non-returnable funds of 900 million PLN have been set aside.
NRP consultations are under way with regard to spatial planning reform. Their participants include representatives of local governments, professional circles engaged in urban planning procedures and the world of science. Consultations will last till 31st March.

Two-level spatial planning system

The reform assumes the introduction of a new two-level spatial planning system. It will be based on the general plan – an act of local law encompassing the entire commune and establishing a framework for spatial development. The specific intended use of lands will be indicated on the basis of the reconstruction plan, the Integrated Investment Project or the location decision.
Apart from that, urban planning standards will be elaborated to guarantee access to relevant infrastructure and necessary services to inhabitants. It is important for inhabitants to have schools, kindergartens, bus/tram stops, green areas and services close to their houses. Urban planning standards will constitute a mechanism limiting the issue of location decisions for areas not adapted to the needs of future inhabitants.
Yes for the reform!
Work on the reform is a response to requests submitted to the ministry. In February, pre-consultations concerning reform assumptions were carried out. Experts and practitioners engaged in planning and spatial development responded positively to proposed assumptions and goals, which allows for the continuation of works.