Author(s)

D. Cialdea & N. Quercio

Abstract

This paper describes the phenomenon of illegal settlements. The case study focuses on the Molise region in the South of Italy, which is characterized by the absence of wide-area plans. In fact, the weakness of the existing plans at municipal level meant that the increase in buildings could not be controlled, especially in non-urban areas. This resulted in urban areas, planned for the supply of services, remaining agricultural zones and agricultural areas becoming useful for new residential expansions. Our dissertation explores the effects of Molise Regional Law no. 17/1985, following the enactment of National Law no. 47/1985 (rules for building planning control). The national law imposed on municipalities the task of cordoning off illegal settlement areas in order to reclassify them into new planning tools. The problem was that the new classification, oriented to residential utilization, requires the realization of appropriate facilities (urbanization, public parks, schools, parking areas, etc.) that do not actually exist. Consequently, in many cases it was necessary to draft appropriate renewal plans to include these facilities. In fact, the national law was oriented to support a special type of planning tool, delegating detailed rules to regions. This issue was analyzed by the l.a.co.s.t.a. Laboratory working group, officially placed in charge by the Molise Region, in order to set up the New Regional Landscape Plan, under the new National Code for Cultural and Landscape Heritage of 2004, as amended and supplemented. 

Keywords

Agricultural Land, Illegal settlements, Landscape Quality