Spatial Planning in Localities with Special Historic Values on Examples of Poland and Slovakia

Abstract

One of the objectives of spatial planning policy is the protection of cultural her-itage and historical monuments. Since this objective is necessary to be included it in planning documents, it means that spatial planning procedures shall com-prise actions associated with the conscious shaping of cultural landscapes and protection of historical objects. Nevertheless, it is believed that these possibili-ties are not sufficiently used in Polish planning documents. This paper aims to compare the spatial planning systems found in Poland and Slovakia, with a particular emphasis on the conditions that must be taken into account when creating planning documents in historic localities. An analysis of sample documentation prepared for localities with special historical values (Lanckorona in Poland and Levoča in Slovakia) allowed the authors to conclude that local development plans in Slovakia contain fewer details related to the protection of cultural values and monuments than those adopted in Poland. This is a consequence of the fact that the only institution to evaluate this issue in Slovakia is the provincial conservator.