Czech lower house approves Building Act reform aimed at speeding up construction

The Czech Chamber of Deputies on Friday approved an amendment to the Building Act despite criticism from the opposition. The ruling coalition of ANO, SPD and the Motorists party says the reform will speed up and simplify construction permitting in the country.

The legislation introduces a centralized state building authority and declares the planning, preparation, construction and operation of public infrastructure and designated projects to be in the public interest. The provision could play a role in any future decisions on expropriation.

Designated projects will also include large-scale housing developments. Under the new rules, construction projects will require only a single permit instead of multiple approvals.