Land-use planning as an instrument for environmental protection

104 Abstract in English Územní plánování jako nástroj ochrany životního prostředí Town and country planning as an instrument of environment protection Together with atmosphere and water, the solid part of the Earth's surface (soil) is one of the constituents of the environment. Proper environment is an essential condition for the existence of human life, and not human life only. Building a construction or facility in an area results in significant changes of the environment. The more densely an area is populated, the more significant are the changes of the environment regarding the quality of human life. The town and country planning, according to Czech law, is a complex mechanism which makes provisions for placement of constructions and facilities. Procedures (actions) making up the mechanism of town and country planning can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, legally binding concepts (plans) are created. In the second, decisions on the placement of particular constructions and facilities are made, in accordance with the authorized concepts (plans). With respect to the above-mentioned, the environment needs to be sufficiently protected during both stages. Since the beginning of 2007, a new Building Act making thorough provisions for town and country planning is in effect. Regulations concerning..