SSVA will provide methodological support to municipalities on urban planning

The Urban Planning Unit was set up in September this year. The Centre of Excellence in this field will be able to provide active methodological support to municipalities in the areas of spatial planning, urban development, and the formulation and implementation of architectural policy from the beginning of next year.

According to Mr. Pakalnis, municipalities are competing to find the most effective ways to exploit their natural and cultural heritage, recreational and economic potential, but they often lack specialists who can help them with issues of territorial planning and the quality of architectural solutions.

"This unit will be the place where municipalities will turn to, not only for the preparation of master plans. During the drafting process, there are discussions and consultations where we can talk about best practices and innovations around the world. Highlighting the strengths of a place, preserving its spirit together with its inhabitants and using professionals is the main task of the SSVA's Urban Planning Unit," says Pakalnis.

Lithuania's municipalities are facing very complex and diverse challenges - in some places there is active residential development and challenges to manage it, while in others, with a significant decline in population, there is a need to address the issues of urban vitality and the preservation of the quality of life.

"We have a good Lithuanian Master Plan, which responds to the country's depopulation challenges, while at the same time seeking to preserve Lithuania's multi-centred urban structure. We also have data that we can use to address these issues," adds Pakalnis.

Plans to establish an institution to ensure and supervise quality urban planning processes started as early as 2022. Following a detailed analysis and discussions with the public, and after the plans were presented to the Seimas Committee on Environmental Protection, the processes were initiated to create a new structure in one of the institutions subordinated to the Ministry of Environment.

"Until now, there has been no implementing body to oversee and ensure the sustainable development of urbanised areas. The new posts will ensure a high quality continuity of the functions provided and the creation of new services," says Aidas Vaičiulis, Director of SSVA.