Greece proposes new urban planning bill to address illegal constructions

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has introduced a new bill aimed at addressing urban planning issues, including illegal constructions, property mergers, and small-scale building works. The bill, which is open for public consultation until October 24, seeks to expand exceptions for ‘Category 5’ illegalities—the most severe violations involving buildings without permits or significant structural excesses.

Specific exceptions under the new regulations include buildings previously covered by older legalization laws and public interest structures, such as primary and secondary schools, municipal nurseries, and social welfare facilities. Additionally, the bill simplifies the functional connection of adjacent properties and updates rules for small-scale works.

The legislation also includes provisions to accelerate the licensing of Hellenic Defense Systems facilities in Lavrio and Derveniokhoria. This move is intended to facilitate their relocation from Hymettus, thereby freeing up land for the creation of the ‘Andreas Lentakis’ Government Park. Furthermore, the bill allows for the transfer of dams and related installations to EYDAP to support the expansion of public water management services.