Land use and building regulations: The case of spatial plans for protected natural areas (Serbia)

Abstract

Land use and building regulation within protected natural areas in Serbia is specific in comparison to areas without this status. Since urban plans define the rules and conditions limited to urban settlements and locations of national priority (e.g. tourism resort in natural protected areas), other areas, including significant parts of protected natural areas, rely on spatial plans, which often contain elements of detailed urban planning (i.e. regulation and building rules). Preservation of ecologic and environmental functions is a priority in protected natural areas (particularly in zones of I and II level of protection), but they are also eligible for controlled development purposes in zone of III level of protection. Due to large distance from administrative centre and institutions responsible for building inspection, it is not rare case in Serbia that illegal building in protected areas makes them more exposed to illegal actions. Therefore, this paper focuses on the role of spatial plans in balancing between land use and building in protected natural areas on the one hand and nature protection on the other hand. In-depth analysis of chosen spatial plans, here is given a comprehensive review of building and land use postulates, regulations and different levels of protection applied in spatial planning. Starting from the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia 2010- 2020, analysis gives a major significance to four special purpose area spatial plans of different kind: Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, Tisa River Multifunctional Ecological Corridor, Kopaonik National Park and Vlasina Landscape of Exceptional Features. Finally, there is shown diversity and systematisation of existing measures, and contribution to understanding of challenges and recommendations on future improvements of methodology in planning and implementation of plans in order to enhance balance between development and protection.