Spatial Planning

The Finnish land use planning system has three levels: the regional plan, the local master plan and the local detailed plan. The regional plan is drawn up by the Regional Council and approved by the Ministry of the Environment. The local master plan and the local detailed plan are prepared by the local authority.

The regional plan contains a general plan for land use for the entire region or for a specific sub-area therein. It sets out the principles of land use and community structure, and designates areas as necessary for regional development. The plan is used as a guideline in drawing up municipal plans and organizing land use.

The regional plan for Ostrobothnia was unanimously approved by the Assembly on the 29 September, 2008. The plan has been sent to the Ministry of the Environment for ratification. The entire process at the Ministry will take approximately one year, and so the regional plan is expected to come into force during the first half of 2010.

The regional plan covers the entire Ostrobothnia and essential functions in the society, such as community structure, cultural environments, green areas, traffic, and water supply. The plan is presented on a map with a key to the symbols and written regulations. The plan also includes a report which provides the information required for assessing the goals and options of the plans and their impacts, and the justification for the approaches adopted.

The regional plan documents can be found on the Finnish (Kaava-asiakirjat) and Swedish (Planehandlingar) sections of the web page.

For further information, please contact:

Anna-Karin Pensar

Spatial Planning Officer

Telephone: +358 6 320 6536

Mobile: +358 44 320 6569

Jan Wikström

Spatial Planning Officer

Telephone: +358 6 320 6535

Mobile: +358 44 320 6570

Staff e-mail addresses: forename.surname@obotnia.fi