Proposal passes committee: New sanctions plan for hobby gardens

A legislative proposal aimed at preventing the fragmentation of agricultural land under the guise of "hobby gardens" has been submitted to Parliament. While it is stated that the regulation does not cover existing structures, it is noted that penalties will be imposed on those who provide infrastructure for new developments.

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Proposal passes committee: New sanctions plan for hobby gardens

The "Draft Law on Amendments to the Soil Conservation and Land Use Law, the Rice Law, and Certain Other Laws," prepared by AKP deputies, was submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on March 12.

NEW REGULATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND

The proposal states that the planned amendments to the Soil Conservation and Land Use Law aim to prevent agricultural land from being divided and opened for development under the name of "hobby gardens."

OVER 11 THOUSAND UNAUTHORIZED USES DETECTED

Osman Yıldız, General Manager of Agricultural Reform at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, also made assessments regarding the proposal that passed the committee. Yıldız stated that developments known to the public as "hobby gardens" are not included in current legislation and that these areas are considered unauthorized construction.

Stating that more than 11 thousand instances of unauthorized use have been detected across Turkey, Yıldız's remarks brought up claims that the structures in question would be demolished.

"NO ELECTRICITY OR WATER WILL BE PROVIDED"

AKP Group Chairman Güler also made statements on the matter. Speaking to pro-government journalist Zafer Şahin, Güler said:

"We have no such intention. There is no retroactive application regarding existing structures. The regulation will be forward-looking.

There are those who comment without understanding the draft law well. This is a vital issue. We aim to protect first-class agricultural land.

There are around 1,000 cooperatives in Ankara alone. They divide agricultural land and turn it into rent under the name of 'hobby gardens.' We will not allow this.

After the law is enacted, various amounts of fines will be imposed on organizations that provide electricity, water, natural gas, or telephone infrastructure to such structures.

If there is a situation contrary to zoning in existing structures, that is already the responsibility of municipalities and special provincial administrations. This draft law is not a proposal prepared for these structures. We aim to prevent individuals who turn agricultural land into rent and abuse it, to protect our agricultural soil, and to ensure our food security."

News Source: 12punto