In the works: Government regulation for construction in small settlements – A “demographic clause” under consideration

Within the next ten days, a government regulation addressing the concerns raised by the recent Presidential Decree— which effectively suspends construction in settlements with fewer than 2,000 residents nationwide—is set to be finalized. This situation has led to unrest within the Parliamentary Group.

The regulation was unveiled on Wednesday by Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, during the main news bulletin on Alpha TV. Meetings at Maximos Mansion are anticipated in the coming days to solidify the regulation’s fundamental principles.

This presents a challenging balancing act for the government. It must navigate around the legal precedent established by the Council of State while also tackling a matter that impacts both the core values of New Democracy and the broader topic of property rights.

According to reliable reports from protothema.gr, the government is considering a uniform regulation applicable to all 10,000 settlements, although the construction criteria may vary. The minister is reportedly looking into a “demographic clause,” arguing that rural areas cannot be abandoned while construction is restricted in those regions.

In this effort to enhance decentralization, demographic trends in the affected regions are being taken into account. Other factors, such as the carrying capacity of specific areas—especially islands—will also play a role in the final legislation.

This issue has created strain within New Democracy. Last week, Minister Papastavrou and Deputy Minister Nikos Tagaras faced concerns and comments from party MPs during an informational session of the Parliamentary Group. MPs have recently encountered strong opposition from constituents who feel that this regulation undermines their presence, as formerly buildable lots are now classified as ordinary fields.

Importantly, the forthcoming legislative regulation will act as a temporary measure until the finalization of local urban plans. According to government sources, 227 local urban plans and 18 special urban plans are currently in development, which will eventually cover 80% of the nation’s urban planning needs. Additionally, there are efforts underway to codify urban planning legislation for the first time and digitize the Land Registry.