Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture Chair Prof. Dr. Alpar Atun released a statement about the zoning order. Prof. Dr. Atun, on behalf of EMU Architecture Department, emphasized that in order to protect our future, cultural and natural values, authorities are invited to take responsibility for the re-evaluation of the "Zoning Order Amendment". In her statement, Prof. Dr. Atun made the following evaluations about the Planning Event, which was disabled as part of the zoning order:
The current" Zoning Order "was changed in February 2019 due to the fact that it contradicts with the existing zoning law because of its wide scope. Due to the weakness it will create in urban planning, its scope was narrowed and changed under the name of 'Special Development Order' and put into effect.
In February 2021, the current "Special Zoning Order" was abolished without consultation with the stakeholders, and the Zoning Order, which contradicts the former law, was re-enacted with its scope further expanded. When they said they would reduce bureaucracy, workload and responsibility fell upon visa offices and municipalities. This Zoning Order will cause unacceptable results in terms of public interest; It is a product of succumbing to the pressure of certain interest groups, ignoring the principles of procedure, method and planning. Because:
With the Zoning Order, whose scope has been expanded, except for certain regions, areas within the coastline, dune areas, forest areas, development areas, industrial areas, tourism areas, and the like are also covered. In addition to these, all usage changes and all additions are included in the zoning order, and the requirement of "Development Document with Planning Approval" has been removed.
The City Planning Department, which was given planning authority in accordance with the 55/89 Zoning Law, was left out against the law. In addition, the construction permit given with the inspection and approval of the City Planning Department, Municipalities and Professional Chambers, will be carried out only by the Municipalities and Professional Chambers from now on, and will only be followed and approved by these authorities, including all current legal regulations.
As recommended in the Zoning Law 55/89, Zoning Order can be given for development types that have no effect outside the place where the Zoning Order will be made and that are clear and simple enough not to require an exchange of views with the Department of City Planning or any other institution. In simple words, it is a collective planning approval instrument. However, the Zoning Order published in February 2021 was used as an instrument of devolution of authority, as well as creating negative environmental and social impacts, and neutralizing the planning action, contrary to the Law. The purpose of issuing a Zoning Order has been exceeded. "
EMU Architecture Department Chair Prof. Dr. Alpar Atun stated that the understanding of planning in our country is very insufficient when considered within the context of the changing world conditions. Such arbitrary practices will also undermine the existing structure, our natural and built environment, our historical, cultural heritage, our coasts, and the like. Underlining that it may cause damage to our sensitive areas as well as possible natural disasters, Prof. Dr. Atun warned that we should not abandon our future on the assumption of short-term returns with arbitrary practices that have no legal basis.
