[AMNA]
What would it take to curb planning chaos and better protect the natural environment? Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy argues the answer is not stricter limits on out-of-plan construction, but allowing limited urban development within parts of protected Natura 2000 areas.
The provision is part of a draft law submitted to Parliament without changes following public consultation, alongside measures extending legalization pathways for unauthorized structures in forests and other targeted exemptions.
In its explanatory report, the ministry says the Natura measure is necessary because major cities such as Ioannina, Kastoria and Nafplio, entire islands and more than 1,000 settlements fall within protected zones. It describes the change as a “highly limited possibility,” not an obligation, to expand urban plans in order to address decades of unregulated sprawl, particularly in peri-urban areas.
Notably, the report argues that extending planning into protected areas would help end “planning disorder” while improving environmental protection – a rationale that has drawn criticism.
The report also labels as an “absolutely necessary exception” a provision allowing construction of a monastery chapel on Mount Hymettus despite a building freeze.
It further justifies extending legalization for unauthorized facilities in forest areas – including livestock units, religious sites and tourist infrastructure – citing public-interest uses and legal uncertainties tied to overlapping land and forest registries.