Altınkum zoning plans approved despite local opposition

The Çeşme Peninsula Environmental Association (ÇEŞÇEP) has raised objections to the approved zoning plans for a 13.6-hectare area in Altınkum, Çiftlik, and Musalla. The area was designated as a ‘reserve construction area’ under Law No. 6306 regarding the transformation of areas at risk of disaster.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change approved the 1/5000 scale Protection Purpose Master Development Plan and the 1/1000 scale Protection Purpose Implementation Development Plan. These plans were suspended for public review between August 28 and September 11, 2026.

ÇEŞÇEP argues that the designation is questionable because the area is largely vacant and lacks a dense residential stock or significant building inventory requiring disaster transformation. According to the plan reports, approximately 43,114 square meters of private property belongs to only four individuals, while 28,000 square meters are owned by the Treasury.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality both issued negative opinions regarding the plans. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism emphasized that the areas should be planned as special zones open to public use, prioritizing tourism infrastructure and coastal access.