Banja Luka and Kožino urban plans encounter public scrutiny

Banja Luka urban plan Kožino zoning public comments green space preservation municipal development

The draft Urban Plan for Banja Luka is undergoing a second public hearing. About 400 comments from citizens, NGOs and experts were received, and officials estimate that reviewing them will take roughly a year and a half. The plan, first presented in mid‑2023, has been delayed by political disagreements, leaving the city still governed by a 1975‑era plan that is widely considered outdated.

In the Croatian town of Kožino, west of Zadar’s historic centre, a new urban zoning proposal covering 12.3 ha was approved by the city council after a four‑year procedure. The plan foresees a school, sports facilities, a public park and other community services, but no new housing. Mayor Šime Erlić defended the project, stressing that at least 60 % of the area will remain green and that the plan complies with long‑standing local aspirations. Residents and a small group of critics have protested, demanding the preservation of an existing forested park and a school with a sports hall.

Entities: Banja Luka · Banja Luka Urban Plan · Daniel Ferić · Danijel Ferić · Jovan Brinić · Kožino · Tivat · Vuk Višekruna · Zadar · Šime Erlić

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Residents of Kožino have formally requested a postponement of the council vote on the urban plan, citing concerns over forest cutting and lack of a school hall.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The current governing Urban Plan for Banja Luka dates from 1975 and is considered outdated.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Banja Luka’s draft Urban Plan received about 400 comments during the second public hearing.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Kožino urban plan covers 12.3 hectares west of the historic core and includes a school, church, social facilities, an elderly home, sports‑recreation zones and public parks, with no new housing or (reject if incomplete)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Street Fojba in Pula is ready to be included in the city’s road‑building program.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Tivat’s new Spatial Plan will be valid until 2040 and is currently in the public participation phase.
[○ 1 SOURCE] At least 60 % of each parcel in the Kožino plan must remain green.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The new Tivat spatial plan covering development until 2040 has begun a pre‑public participation phase. (Official statements from Tivat vice‑president Jovan Brinić.)