Lower house approves amendment to building law

The lower house of Parliament on Wednesday approved an amendment to the building law drafted by Regional Development Minister Klára Dostálová that aims to accelerate approvals on large construction projects. Currently, it takes an average of five years for can such projects to get all the necessary permits and approvals. The government says the aim is to shorten the process by at least a year.

The opposition parties have criticized the fact that the amendment will transfer all decision making to the state-run Supreme Building Authority which will be organized similarly to the tax authorities. The bill will now go to the Senate. It should come into force on July 1, 2023.