Prague could have a new Metropolitan Plan by 2023

Prague - Prague could have a new Metropolitan Plan by 2023. The city's leadership could discuss the schedule for its creation within 14 days. Petra Kolínská (Trojkoalice/SZ), the deputy mayor, said this to ČTK today. The city has been preparing the Metropolitan Plan for several years, and it is being created by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). The current plan will cease to be valid in 2020. All construction in Prague is governed by this plan.

"If the IPR submits the proposal for joint discussion this year, then this timeline should be achievable. All preparation rules must be respected, and for example, all comments and suggestions need to be addressed. I believe the time spent resolving the comments will be worth it," said Kolínská.

The schedule for the preparation was supposed to be discussed by Prague's councilors today, but they removed it from the agenda. "I believe that within 14 days we will find agreement in the coalition (ANO, ČSSD, and Trojkoalice). During this time, we will also negotiate a date when the IPR will submit the material for discussion," the deputy mayor stated.

Prague is expected to have a new plan by 2020, when the current one will no longer be valid. However, the House of Representatives could extend its validity. It is unclear whether this will happen. According to Kolínská, there is no risk of construction stopping in Prague between 2020 and 2023. If the plan is not finished, decisions on construction would be based on the principles of territorial development and specific territorial studies. "No one needs to worry that there won't be construction; there would just be higher demands on the authorities. The situation can definitely be managed," Kolínská added.

The creation of the new plan began in the previous electoral term under Mayor Tomáš Hudeček (at that time TOP 09). The entire construction in the city is governed by the territorial plan. It determines where building is allowed and where public spaces or green areas must remain. The Metropolitan Plan should also bring height regulations for buildings. Its preparation has previously been criticized by representatives of some municipalities, experts, and heritage protectors.