site.btaEmployers: Proposed Amendments to Spacial Development Act Put at Risk Coastal Municipalities' Development

Sofia, July 11 (BTA) - The leadership of the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) warned that the proposed amendments to the Spatial Development Act would hamper the development of coastal municipalities, because summer tourism would be seriously affected.

The amendments would lead to financial and administrative obstacles, businesses will be placed under constant threat, which puts at risk significant investments, the development of tourist services and the promotion of loyal competition, reads a BICA letter sent to the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Regional Policy, Urban Development and Local Self-government, received by BTA Wednesday.

According to the employers organization, the Bill provides for reforms that would impose restrictions on microbusinesses. Regulating the maximum size of moveable amenities is not consistent with the various commercial activities carried out in these amenities, which would significantly restrict trade.

Restricting the number of units per property would lead to circumventing the law, BICA says, explaining that these restrictions should be tied to the property's area. It is illogical to have three units placed on a 5,000 sq m property, with the same number applying to a property covering just 50 sq m. This change would lead to dividing larger properties into smaller ones, the letter reads.