The first Gpp of Greece. The paradox of the promotion of ‘compactcity’s’ principle at all levels of urbanization

The first Gpp of Greece. The paradox of the promotion of ‘compact’ city’s principle at all levels of urbanization - The new Gpp action plan, the first of its kind in Greece, is late in coming and takes place in a somewhat unstable, unsustainable and unregulated development context undergoing rapid suburbanisation. This is especially true of the big cities where green areas are few and far between (Athens has only 3 sqm/person) and where industry is negatively impinging on the quality of life. Athens is expanding as the focal point of services and jobs, while the suburbs try to get by almost exclusively on tourism and waning agriculture. The scope of the plan should have been regional and environmental restoration, but instead it legalises unauthorised dwellings that in many cases have been built on protected green areas. Greece, indeed, is the only European country where the erection of buildings that do not comply with the benchmark criteria of town plans is actually permitted by law. The plan thus falls back on an outdated model of development which envisages the transformation of Greece into a ‘node’ of international, commercial and energy transport.

Nicolas Mitzalis, The first Gpp of Greece. The paradox of the promotion of ‘compactcity’s’ principle at all levels of urbanization in "TERRITORIO" 48/2009, pp 133-137, DOI: 10.3280/TR2009-048023