The Association of Historical Sites is concerned about the impacts of the amendment to the Building Act on monuments

Prague – The Association of Historical Sites is concerned about the impacts of the proposed amendment to the building law and the related changes in heritage protection. According to the association, the changes could weaken the currently functioning system of heritage care. As an example, it mentions the reduced binding nature of the opinions of heritage protection authorities or the narrowing of the protection of heritage reserves and zones as wholes. This is stated in a position paper provided to ČTK by the chairman of the association, Libor Honzárek. The extensive building amendment is set to be approved by the Senate next week, with three committees already recommending that it be rejected.

The amendment to the building law aims to speed up and simplify the building process. It introduces a centralized state building administration under a single state building office. "However, in our opinion, the proposed amendment goes far beyond the intended goal of changing building legislation, as it brings changes to the area of heritage protection that could weaken the currently functioning system," stated the association.

As another example of a controversial new measure, it cites the threat to the protection of cultural monuments and urban heritage, as the majority of currently declared protective zones will cease to exist within two years. The new declaration of these zones in a purposeful scope is practically excluded by the proposed change due to timing or content reasons, according to the association. "These and other proposed changes, if approved, will undoubtedly lead to a gradual reduction in the level of protection for historical sites and disrupt their character," the association noted.

The association also considers the centralization of authorities to be problematic. It believes it will lead to a limitation of the importance of local knowledge and context in decision-making.

The Association of Historical Sites of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia was established at the initiative of cities in 1990. Its main purpose is to contribute to the creation of conditions and tools for the preservation of cultural heritage, the regeneration of the areas of historical sites, and to aim for the preservation, protection, and sustainable use of cultural heritage. The association has about 200 member cities and municipalities, totaling nearly three million residents.