Spatial Planning in Poland

The chapter will present how the spatial management system's problem is recognized and distinguished in the literature on the subject in various European countries. Such issues were classified, and their scale (national/supranational) was carried out. The key points from the analyzed perspective, including the local view of spatial policy, as well as the issue of social participation in spatial planning, were considered in particular. The characteristics of the leading European models of spatial management systems and the solutions adopted within these models, especially those relating to the scope of applying individual spatial policy tools, will match the classification made in this way. The chapter mainly focuses on such issues as the role of local spatial development plans in the spatial development system, public participation, integrated development planning, public interest, and flexibility in spatial planning. The context of informal institutions in spatial planning will also be considered. The optimal (effective, rational, efficient) way of addressing these issues in the spatial management system is also related to legal conditions analysis. Therefore, the chapter will also analyze how specific legal regulations can deal with spatial management systems' problems and challenges: the role of these regulations, which thematic areas they should undertake, and which should not.

This chapter will describe the critical conditions and effects of spatial development in Poland, along with an indication of the most important problems, including costs resulting from poor spatial organization of various systems. These issues will be presented and organized according to two keys:

Characteristics of the Polish spatial management system's legal conditions emphasize the related problems (barriers). Following thematic groups will include these problems:

The chapter will not focus solely on the case study of Poland. Conclusions resulting from the diagnosis of specific problems will be included in a broader context that can be adapted in other countries and other legal systems. The chapter will propose a methodology for assessing spatial management systems from a legal perspective (with the proviso that legal regulations are only one of several elements exerting a final shape on a given country's spatial management system).

This chapter, which discusses the results, will aim to a broader comparison and determination of the conditions and problems related to urban planning practice and the specific wording of legal regulations. In particular, in the chapter:

The chapter contains the final conclusions related to the considerations in the monograph. It identifies key recommendations for further action—both in the research and theoretical spheres. The chapter also pays special attention to the interdisciplinary aspect of spatial planning problems.