Zero Soil Consumption and Urban Regeneration: Santarcangelo di Romagna Paves the Way with its New Urban Plan
- Cittaslow
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Italian Cittaslow introduces a groundbreaking General Urban Plan (PUG) focused on environmental sustainability, community well-being, and the "15-minute city" model.
Santarcangelo di Romagna, a proud member of the Cittaslow network, is taking a decisive step towards a sustainable future. The City Council has recently approved a new General Urban Plan (PUG) that radically changes the paradigm of urban development, putting the environment and the local community at the very heart of the city's future.
Zero Soil Consumption and Care for the Existing Heritage Leaving behind outdated models of urban expansion, Santarcangelo has made a bold choice: zero soil consumption. As Angela Garattoni, City Councilor for Urban Planning, explained: "We opted for a planning tool that replaces the expansive development model with regeneration, care for our existing heritage, and the enhancement of our community, starting from our local hamlets. We are building a more sustainable city, capable of facing the challenges of climate change and rewarding virtuous interventions."
A Plan Built with the People The new PUG is not just a set of rules; it is a shared vision. For the first time, the environment and the community are no longer just beneficiaries, but active protagonists. Through a rich participatory process, citizens helped draft the "PUG Manifesto", outlining eight major challenges for the upcoming decades.
Three Strategies for a "Slow" Future The urban plan translates this vision into three main local strategies, which strongly resonate with the core values of Cittaslow International:
Protecting the Territory: Mitigating natural risks and enhancing the green heritage.
The 15-Minute City: Reorganizing the urbanized area so that all essential services are within a short walk or bike ride for every citizen.
Relaunching Cittaslow Principles: Actively embedding the slow philosophy into everyday urban policies.
From these strategies, the city has developed 9 specific policies and 33 actions. Crucially, the implementation will be constantly tracked through a continuous monitoring system with precise indicators, such as improvements in air quality and the increase of forested areas.
Looking Ahead Currently, the plan is entering a vital phase of public consultation. By publishing all documents online and hosting public meetings, Santarcangelo is ensuring that citizens, associations, and local businesses have the opportunity to review the proposal, submit their observations, and actively shape the final outcome.
Santarcangelo di Romagna's new PUG stands as a shining example for the entire Cittaslow network: a concrete demonstration of how "slow" principles can be transformed into visionary urban planning that protects the earth, fosters community, and significantly improves the quality of life for generations to come.
Source: Official Press Release: Zero soil consumption, attention to the environment and regeneration with the new PUG (Municipality of Santarcangelo di Romagna) - https://www.comune.santarcangelo.rn.it/it/news/zero-consumo-di-suolo-attenzione-allambiente-e-rigenerazione-con-il-nuovo-pug
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