Family Landing Gardens (ROD) in cities that have been an oasis for millions of Poles for years, they have been targeted by local governments. Changes in land usage government open the way to the conversion of these areas, which raises serious concerns among land parcels.
New regulations – fresh reality for land gardens
In 2023, changes to land usage law were introduced, which oblige the municipalities to make land usage plans. In practice, this means that land occupied by game gardens can be reclassified for another purposes, including commercial ones. Under the fresh regulations, only in two au 13 Planning zones will be possible to designate areas under the Rod.
The Polish Association of Landowners (PZD) warns that specified a solution may endanger the existence of many land gardens, especially in cities where these areas are investmently attractive. In the face of the expanding urban pressure, local governments can choose to transform these areas, leading to their liquidation.
Hazard scale – millions of parcels in question
In Poland there is almost five thousand ROD that focus above 900 thousand plots with a full surface area exceeding 40 000 hectares. Of this, there is about 44 000 hectares game gardens utilized by about million parcels.
Changes in the improvement of these areas may so affect 4 million Poles who regularly usage land gardens. Concerns concern not only the failure of recreational space, but besides the destabilisation of local communities centered around these gardens.
Developer interests versus residents needs
The attractiveness of the area of land gardens in cities is due to their location – frequently in the centres or close to a close centre. Developers and investors see in these areas the possible for housing and commercial development. This makes self-governments able to transform these areas to meet increasing housing and economical needs.
Authorities' consequence – assurances or concrete actions?
The Ministry of improvement and Technology ensures that the intent of the changes introduced is not to liquidate game gardens but to better manage them under spatial plans. However, plotters stay skeptical, fearing that in practice this may lead to the failure of their plots.
The Polish Association of Activists calls on the government to change regulations to defend gardens from liquidation. It besides recommends that plotters apply to municipalities to include their gardens in land usage plans, which can supply them with protection against possible changes.
Social dimension of game gardens
Land gardens execute not only recreational functions, but besides social functions. They are places of integration of local communities, environmental education and are the origin of local food production. Thus, their elimination can lead to the failure of crucial elements of urban social life.
The future of land gardens in cities is questionable. Changes in the rules on land usage give local authorities the chance to transform these areas, which may lead to their liquidation. In the face of expanding urban and investment pressure, it is crucial to find a balance between urban improvement needs and conservation of green and recreational areas for residents.
Continued here:
No more city gardening? Local governments want to take over.
