The Implementation of Sustainable Development and Protection of Cultural Heritage at Different Levels of Spatial and Urban Planning: A Case Study of the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

The starting point in this paper is the position that spatial and urban planning has a key role in sustainable development and the protection of cultural heritage. The planning method used in areas of cultural heritage differs depending on the type and level of the spatial plan. It is possible to identify aspects of protection and sustainable development in plans, with the protection of cultural heritage dominating in practice. Research was carried out on a case study of three spatial plans at different levels, which both in terms of their methodology and content make up the planning system for the protection and sustainable development of cultural heritage in Serbia. The comparative analysis of the plans includes three aspects: protection, the sustainable development of cultural heritage, and the integration of cultural heritage into the planning and protection of landscapes. The implementation models of the spatial plans were considered. The main conclusion of the paper is that the concept of protecting cultural heritage has not evolved into a system of comprehensive and adequate planning for its sustainable development, nor is it sufficiently integrated with the planning and protection of landscapes. The paper provides guidelines for improving both the methodology of spatial planning and the concept of the sustainable development and protection of cultural heritage in spatial plans.