This paper presents the results of research for PhD thesis entitled: "Spatial development within Olsztyn suburban area against The background of changes to agricultural landscape". Spatial range of the research covered all (i.e. 200) villages situated in 6 communes within Olsztyn suburban area. In order to address spatial changes, the applicable Area Development Plans were analysed. In the Official Gazettes of Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province for the years 1996-2010, 196 Area Development Plans for a part or the whole of 6 villages (43% of the total number thereof) were published. Most Plans primarily concern the development of single family residential buildings (MN) and residential and commercial service buildings (MU). Approximate area covered with Area Development Plans is 594. ha. This amounts to 6.3 % of Olsztyn suburban area (data as at the end of 2010). The value of the data concerned is below the average value for Poland. The situation is similar for the average area covered with Area Development Plans. This is due, to a large extent, to the cancellation (pursuant to the Act on spatial planning and development of 2003) of Area Development Plans as published before 1995. This has resulted in spatial chaos in the communes under research, which was additionally intensified by the introduction of Decision on building and land development conditions. Approx. 2/3 of the area covered with the Plans applicable for the communes result from the studies as prepared pursuant the Act on spatial planning and development of 2003.

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