Article covers the changes that were made in spatial development (by volume) in the suburban municipalities of Olsztyn in the years 1996–2008. Overall until the end of 2008 in the suburban area of Olsztyn, 216 spatial development plans were adopted. The dominant feature in plans of spatial development is a function of housing. It is presented in 175 plans (the symbol of MN or MU). In 29 cases the plans relate to the recreational function (UT). To a lesser extent, its presence highlights the function of Mining (PG) –concerns the 7 plans, production (P) –4 plans. Only one plan deals with the protection of natural assets. It includes the ecological corridor of the River Lyna (WS). Plans include a total of 7511 ha area (5.5% of municipalities surface). It is worth noting that in the period 1996–2008 an increasing area of land is included into the spatial development plans. On the other hand, a large part of the property within them does not change its function. Retains its agricultural or forestry character. In the course of development (state at the end of 2008) is 35 development plans. In addition, in 2004–2008 was issued in the suburban area of 5193 decisions on conditions of build and area development. Including 2908 decisions (56.0% of state) related to detached houses (they cover 143 villages), and 98 decisions (1.9% of state) of residential build. Land area included in decisions on conditions of build and included in houses is 773.5 ha. In this study, one also drawn attention to the prospects of development, limitations and threats of spatial planning in the municipalities directly surrounding Olsztyn.

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