The Chamber confirmed its version of the amendment to the construction code

Ivan Adamec (ODS) spoke regarding the affected public about 'professional extortionists'.

Prague - The Chamber of Deputies today overruled the Senate and confirmed its version of the extensive amendment to the building law, which aims to simplify and expedite the permitting process. Lawmakers rejected the Senate amendments that concerned, for example, the review of illegal actions in official authority or the preparation of master plans. The amendment will now be sent to the president for signature in its Chamber version.

"The goal of the amendment is to simplify, make more transparent, and speed up the acquisition of building permits," said the Minister for Regional Development Karla Šlechtová (ANO). According to her, both versions, from the Chamber and the Senate, will contribute to a better situation in construction and accelerate the preparation and approval of buildings. The Chamber of Commerce protested against the Senate version, claiming that the Senate proposals would complicate construction and increase energy costs.

The approved amendment allows, among other things, to combine spatial planning, building procedures, and environmental impact assessments (EIA). It will also allow the construction of family houses or recreational cottages based only on a building notification without limitations on the building area; previously, it was permitted only up to 150 square meters of built-up area. A notification will not be required for greenhouses or swimming pools on a built-up lot next to a family house or cottage.

The draft amends dozens of related laws. It also affects the law on expediting infrastructure construction, which states that in built-up areas, overhead electrical power lines of 400 kV and higher will be carried above ground. Senators proposed to remove this provision from the law, which was included based on an amendment by MP František Adámek (ČSSD).

The amendment has drawn criticism from environmental protection advocates, who dislike that it restricts public access to permitting procedures. Šlechtová had previously stated that there is no change in the participation of the so-called affected public in proceedings under the building law. She asserted that in proceedings where an environmental impact assessment is conducted, the participation of the affected public is guaranteed.

As a result of the parliamentary amendments, a provision giving a chance for organizations specified by a special law to participate in spatial and building procedures has disappeared from the building law. In the Nature and Landscape Protection Act, the draft only allows organizations to participate in proceedings based solely on this law.

Some MPs and senators criticized organizations for allegedly prolonging and complicating the permitting process. Environmental organizations state that this is the most significant restriction of civil rights since 1989, which is in conflict with the Constitution. According to them, the approval period will not be shortened either.

The chairman of the Environment Committee, Robin Böhnisch (ČSSD), today urged lawmakers not to support either version, arguing that it reduces the freedom and rights of the public. He believes it would be better to wait for a new building law. "This is the most significant restriction of public participation in public affairs since November 1989," warned MP Václav Zemek from ČSSD. On the other hand, Ivan Adamec (ODS) spoke in connection with the affected public about "professional extortionists".

Environmental organizations subsequently stated in a press release that they will not give up and will strive to return to participation in spatial procedures. "People will now have to defend themselves even more against the destruction of their environment and landscape through means other than official channels, such as pressuring local, regional, and national politicians, utilizing the media, and organizing petitions and protests," said representatives of Hnutí Duha and other organizations. According to them, people will now be unable to co-determine whether they want a shopping center or a park in their neighborhood.

Šlechtová informed lawmakers that the ministry is currently preparing a new building law and a new expropriation law. According to her, the theses of the new building law are complete and she will present them to the government as soon as the current amendment passes.