Construction in Natura areas and islands is being targeted from all sides

A climate of challenge and acute confrontation has been engedered by the provisions for the construction in Natura areas and islands, forcing green and blue MPs to band together against the leadership of the Environment ministry

Next week brings Birbili's most critical appointment with "green" MPs, presenting to parliament the final regulations for Natura areas.

The pressures are intense because the MPs are trying to persuade her to allow construction even on 2 acres in settlements within urban planning boundaries!

The second point of dispute is the application of all provisions in the Presidential Decree of 1985 on areas outside urban planning, as in order to build on 4-acre lots the prerequisite is to have a frontage of over 45 meters, a depth over 50 meters and to be on the side of a national or provincial road. MPs strive for the elimination of these terms or for dropping the bar to 25 meters.

Birbili argues that the reference to the law about settlements within urban planning limits is subject to their being in force before1923, while she stresses that there is considerable ambiguity in what exactly a road is. But she introduces a parameter that refers to new amendments, stating that the bill has to pass by a large parliamentary majority.

She is building bridges but…

In other words, she is very willing to discuss with MPs and leaves open the window of construction at 500 meters from the boundaries of settlements, although she admits that such a development would put a bomb under the motto for the elimination of deviations for areas outside urban planning. It is understood that the integrity of the 10 acres remains non-negotiable with the MPs, since it is the only point on which they agree.

"The minister had committed herself to a group of MPs of PASOK, who had met after the first reading of the law, as to the notion that the construction on four acres would stand as it is forever. Unfortunately, she did not keep her commitment" said Giannis Drivelegas, one of the MPs that confronted her often in parliament. MPs refer to ridicule on her part and say that if these terms are not withdrawn, more than ten MPs will not vote for the bill.

Amendment to ensure Syros compliance…

After Birbili, who continues to toy with MP nerves about the 4 acres, there were also reactions against the amendment of deputy minister Nikos Sifounakis, which provides for the repealing of the provision that allowed the building in plots with an incline of more than 35% on the islands. The amendment of Sifounakis was issued along with the bill on biodiversity, which introduced strict rules on building outside urban planning areas and has been demonized by a large number of MPs for the "developmental" standards it imposes.

A few days ago mayors and representatives from 24 islands met with members of PASOK and ND from the prefectures of Cyclades and Dodecanese, asking them to withdraw the amendment of Sifounakis. According to him, this applies to the 24 islands which are protected by Presidential Decrees of the period 2001-2002, when he was Minister of the Aegean.

"The prohibition of construction applied over the years to 14 urban planning offices in the Aegean, except the office on Syros" said the deputy minister, who revealed that the regulation was enforced to resolve the problem that has arisen on the island that has the islands of Mykonos, Serifos, Kithnos, Tinos and Tzia in its jurisdiction .

"Our view is clearly to protect the environment and the landscape, but not with piecemeal procedures" said Nikos Zoidis, PASOK Dodecanese MP.