Published: June 22 2023
Hungary's Ministry of Construction and Transport has introduced new draft laws on Hungarian architecture focused on preserving Lake Balaton's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The new laws emphasize the importance of protecting green areas, existing buildings, and local culture in order to give local construction companies an advantage.
Protection Plan for Lake Balaton
The government will define a special protected area in the Balaton uplands, strengthening the role of local and district architects in preserving the values of the "Hungarian sea". The new chief architect office will oversee promoting sustainable practices such as the preservation of existing buildings and green zones.
Regulation Plan for Lake Balaton's Waterfront
The proposed regulation plan for Lake Balaton will prohibit beaches owned by the state or the municipality from being rezoned. Instead, they will remain in the beach zone or be reclassified as green areas. The plan also requires the provision of a minimum 5-meter-wide public promenade on at least 30% of the waterfront. In addition, the concession plan will allow property owners who give up a 20-meter strip of waterfront for public use to be entitled to larger development on their own land.
Future of Investments
The government plans to review any developments not constructed according to the proposed regulations. However, developers who have started construction according to current regulations will be allowed to complete their projects.
Conclusion
The new regulations proposed by the Ministry of Construction and Transport will aid in preserving the natural beauty and local culture of Lake Balaton by strengthening the positions of local architects. The waterfront regulation plan will also promote sustainable practices that prioritize preserving the site's natural ecosystem.
Questions & Answers
What is Lake Balaton? Lake Balaton is a large freshwater lake in Hungary, often referred to as the "Hungarian sea".
What are the new regulations aimed at? The new regulations are aimed at preserving the natural beauty and local culture of Lake Balaton.
What is the draft law on Hungarian architecture? The draft law on Hungarian architecture focuses on saving value by defining the protection of green areas, the environment, existing building values, and giving priority to local culture.
What is the special protected area in the Balaton uplands? A special protected area will be defined in the Balaton uplands to preserve its natural beauty and cultural values.
What is the role of local and district architects in the new regulations? The role of local and district architects will be strengthened, and the approval of local chief architects, related planning councils, and the municipality will be required for construction projects.
What will be included in the waterfront regulation plan and urban development plan? The waterfront regulation plan and urban development plan will prohibit the rezoning of state or municipal-owned beaches, include provisions for a public promenade on at least 30% of the waterfront, and create a concession for private waterfront areas that give up a 20-meter strip for public use.
Will previous construction projects be reviewed under the new regulations? Anything not done according to the current regulations will be subject to review, but developments that were approved under the old regulations will still be allowed to operate.
When will the new draft law be presented to Parliament? The new draft law on Hungarian architecture is set to be presented to Parliament in early summer or in the autumn at the latest.
