Ministry of Reconstruction holds first consultation on urban planning reform

Oleksandra Azarkhina, the Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, said this, Ukrinform reports citing the ministry's press service on Facebook.

"In order to properly organize the recovery process, we are focusing on introducing digital tools, continuing decentralization, and strengthening the capacity of communities. The urban planning reform is aimed at deepening digitalization in the construction industry and should create better conditions for the recovery and development of communities. It is about improving the quality of urban planning documentation, minimizing corruption risks and striking a balance between the interests of the participants in the urban planning process," she said.

According to the Deputy Minister, during the consultation, the parties discussed the compliance of the urban planning reform with the European Charter of Local Self-Government, the mechanisms provided by it for compliance with urban planning and project documentation, the peculiarities of monitoring of construction in communities by local governments, as well as the tools of public control proposed by draft law No. 5655.

Based on the results of the discussions, the urban planning reform will be adjusted through the adoption of regulations, the ministry said.

The consultation on the role of local governments in urban planning is the first of five planned.

As reported, on December 13, 2022, the Verkhovna Rada supported in the second reading the draft law No. 5655, which introduces a comprehensive reform in the field of urban planning. It envisages maximum digitalization of processes, automation of permits issuance, empowerment of local governments and increased liability for offenses. The document is currently awaiting the President's signature.

At the same time, some experts did not support the draft law. Critics believe that it plays into the hands of large developers, negates the role of local governments, and promotes chaotic and irresponsible development. Considering that there is a lot of discussion around the document, the Ministry of Reconstruction initiated expert consultations on urban planning reform.