Tina is backing off yet again on the Natura law

Minister of the Environment Mrs. Tina Birbilli is expected to reform Article 9, which dicates construction rules in “Natura” areas.

According to information obtained by protothema.gr, the changes the Minister is pushing for address the provision that states that “All plots of at least 4 acres will be considered buildable in unzoned areas belonging to the 'Natura' project, which have been legally transferred up until the 1st of March 2011”.

As stated by sources within the Ministry of the Environment, the term “legitimate” has been removed from this provision, since there seems to be an understanding that in various parts of the country, local authorities are not competent enough (the plots were recorded by property deeds etc.), while the schedule has been slightly extended until the bill itself is passed.

Senior players in the ministry remain skeptical about whether this group of PASOK MPs will be satisfied by a further retreat by Mrs Birbili. Please note that this is the fourth amendment of the bill, since the last three failed to appease the PASOK MPs who threatened to vote against the article.

However, if the competent bodies give the signal that the “rebellious” acts are moving towards a defusion, New Democracy and LAOS will not require a roll call vote on Article 9. It is possible, however, that New Democracy will request a roll call vote on the provision that prohibits building in island areas with a terra firma slope of 35%, as well as the one that removes the “high productivity” designation in areas that stretch up to 600 meters adjacent to highways.

The voting will take place on Thursday morning.