The new Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism increases the maximum size to 16 acres, sets limits on the number of beds and imposes strict restrictions, with particular emphasis on Crete and other saturated destinations
The new spatial planning framework for tourism brings about significant changes to the way the tourism sector develops in Greece, with the main aim of curbing uncontrolled construction and moving towards a more organised and a sustainable model of tourism development.
The most significant change relates to off-plan construction, where the minimum completion standard increases from 4 to 8 acres, whilst in areas with high tourist numbers it can reach up to 16 acres.
Particular emphasis is placed on Crete, as several areas within it are situated in zones of increased pressure, where tourism development has already placed a strain on infrastructure, natural resources and, in particular, the water balance.
In the case of Crete, the regulations mainly concern coastal and tourist-developed areas, where there is a high concentration of accommodation and the continuous expansion of tourist facilities.
The aim is to introduce a clear framework that will limit haphazard development and protect areas with high levels of environmental and infrastructural pressures, especially during the summer months.
At the same time, for saturated zones – which also include parts of Crete – a maximum limit of A quota of 100 beds has been set for new tourist developments, whilst in developing regions the limit can reach up to 350 beds. This distinction has a direct impact on the way in which new investments will now be planned on the island.
Particular emphasis is also placed on the coastal zone of Crete, where any construction is prohibited in the first 25 metres from the shoreline, with the aim of protecting the beaches from overdevelopment and the loss of the natural landscape. The regulation is considered crucial for areas with intensive tourist development, where pressure on the coastline is already high.
The new framework also introduces an overall classification of the country into five types of tourist development areas, based on the level of tourism and the carrying capacity of each area.
Crete features in more than one category, as it has both highly developed tourist areas and areas with potential for development, which results in different rules applying to each area.
Another important parameter is the pressure recorded on the Water and infrastructure in Crete, which has led to a more stringent approach to the design of new hospitality units.
The aim is for development to be directly linked to the carrying capacity of the island, in order to avoid oversaturation.
The framework also incorporates short-term rentals into a single plan, as Crete has seen a sharp rise in Airbnb-style accommodation, which affects both the tourism sector and the housing market.
According to the plan, all projects for which environmental studies have already been approved are not affected by the new regulations, thereby ensuring the continuity of existing investments in Crete and other areas.
The process is currently public consultation until 25 May, with the aim of drawing up a final framework that will define the new era in Greek tourism, with Crete being one of the most critical areas for the implementation of the new rules.
Source: neakriti.gr