PLANNING OF RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN CROATIA

Planned rural settlements are a reflection of socio-political, economic, and cultural conditions of society. The question arises whether there are planned rural settlements in Croatia and whether there is adequate awareness of the recognition of the spatial structure of the village as part of the spatial identity, i.e., the cultural heritage that is used in the planning of sustainable development and tourism? The research showed that in Croatia there is continuity in the planning of rural settlements, which confirms that rural settlements can be the concern of society, that is, the state. Through the planning of rural settlements, social understanding, scientific achievements, legal system, social relations, and numerous other factors are manifested. Due to the process of globalization and Europeanization, some believe that rural settlements have no prospects. Others, again, have a sentimental (romantic) attitude towards them and glorify its culture and way of life. The question is whether there is a more realistic “third way” that will accept modernization processes and at the same time respect spatial identity? In any case, the planning of rural settlements should be understood as a specific planning discipline that would: comprehensively solve the problem of rural settlements and rural areas, ensure development that respects heritage, arouse interest, and involve the local population, coordinate the cooperation of the local population and all those who work in rural areas space. Spatial planning of rural settlements is often reduced to the expansion of the construction area, without thinking about preserving the existing recognizable spatial structure. The result is an imbalance between construction and agricultural land, as well as a loss of spatial identity. The quality results of the spatial planning of rural settlements, among other things, will depend on the alignment of different sectoral policies to effective administration and self-government as all stakeholders of society.