Experts: The Metropolitan Plan is not in accordance with the Building Act

Prague - The proposal for the new territorial, so-called metropolitan plan of Prague is not in compliance with the building law and established case law. This follows from the assessment prepared for the city by the Association for Urbanism and Spatial Planning. The proposal was also rejected by the city hall's Department of Spatial Development, which stated that it does not comply with current regulations. ČTK learned this from materials for the city councilors.

The metropolitan plan is a strategic document that determines where and what can be built. It is supposed to be in effect from 2020. The Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) is tasked with its preparation. However, the preparation is facing delays. In recent months, the institution has faced a wave of criticism. An audit pointed out several discrepancies. Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO) speaks of "serious mistakes." She mentioned the possible dismissal of director Petr Hlaváček, for whom hundreds of people signed a petition in support. Hlaváček then reportedly dismissed Roman Koucký, who was responsible for the preparation of the plan, likely under pressure from circumstances.

Last week, the city councilors decided that a team of experts would evaluate the metropolitan plan by the end of August. A schedule will also be established, along with a proposal for personnel changes within the IPR. Some experts and city councils criticize the metropolitan plan produced by the IPR.

According to the territorial plan, all construction in the city is governed. It determines where construction is permitted and where public spaces or greenery remain. The metropolitan plan should also introduce height regulations for buildings. The preparation of the new plan has so far cost the city about 50 million crowns.

The IPR was established from the Urban Development Department under Mayor Tomáš Hudeček (independent, then TOP 09). Apart from preparing the new territorial plan, the institute is tasked with addressing the urban development of the city. The IPR is positioning itself as a professional workplace focused on research in the fields of architecture, urbanism, development, and city creation and management. Its annual budget is about 300 million crowns.