IPR submitted the metropolitan plan to Prague, which will now be reviewed by officials

Prague - The Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) today submitted a new so-called metropolitan plan to the city hall. It will now be reviewed by city officials. This was stated to journalists by Deputy Mayor Petra Kolínská (Green Party/Trojkoalice). The specified zoning plan determines what can be built where in the capital city. The creation of the plan is several months behind schedule, and Prague must have it approved by 2020 at the latest. The preparation of the new plan has cost the city approximately 50 million crowns so far.

"The plan was handed over to the procurer today, that is, the capital city. Many things have been done well in the plan, but it will now undergo assessment," said Kolínská.

The draft metropolitan plan is currently being reviewed by city officials. If they find it satisfactory and compliant with laws, municipal districts and also the residents of Prague will be able to express their views on it. The city will also prepare a document that will contain information on how to understand the plan.

In connection with the metropolitan plan, city officials also stated that if it is not satisfactory, it is possible that they will dismiss the director of IPR, Petr Hlaváček, and the chief planner, architect Roman Koucký. Employees of IPR have already defended Hlaváček, and a petition has also been created in his support. "This morning I met with the petitioners, and it is true that organizational matters depend on the quality of the plan. Prague cannot do without it, and its creation costs a lot of money; if it is not satisfactory, then we can address personnel matters," Kolínská said.

According to the zoning plan, all construction in the city is governed. It specifies places where construction is allowed and where public spaces or greenery will remain. The metropolitan plan should, among other things, introduce height regulations for buildings, so high-rise buildings should no longer be developed as random solitary structures. The construction of high-rise buildings will only be possible in specifically designated areas. The plan will also divide the metropolis into nearly 800 locations, each carrying rules for subsequent construction or the protection of greenery. According to IPR, there should not be instances where a multi-story apartment building is built in a residential neighborhood.