EN
Counteracting the phenomenon of chaotic urbanisation in the suburban areas relies on protection of open terrains, formation of greenery areas and intensification of development in the areas assigned for construction. The communes of Lesznowola and Michałowice that border with Warsaw in the south-western part of the outer zone of the Metropolis Area of Warsaw undergo particularly strong urban pressure. The analysis of the planning documents in both of the communes shows that there are significant differences in the ways the local self-governments handle the issues of spatial planning and management. The commune of Lesznowola (area of 6917 ha, population of 21 469 in 2011) adopted the policy of expansive urbanisation of agricultural areas. It is to be emphasized that the strategy of development and the study of conditions and directions do not sufficiently recognize the phenomena and processes that have impact on spatial management. The problems that require solution with reference to public interest were not identified. The diagnostic section of the study of conditions and directions does not contain any demographic forecast in options (estimated population of 33.9 thousand in 2020). There is no reference to the state and changes in the way areas are used and developed (virtually and according to the plans). No area needs were specified with regard to the financing of infrastructure and balancing the real estate market. Defects of the concept section of the study of conditions and directions include the non-existent vision of the commune management, lack of division into structural units, excessive flexibility of decisions, no public areas designated, no balance of areas and staging of development. 90 per cent of the commune area is covered with local plans. 3033.65 ha were assigned for build-up [A. Olbrysz, 2011]. Most of the plans were prepared in order to change the function of the covered areas from agricultural to construction plots. In general, these plans do not sufficiently regulate the way of managing and developing the areas giving the investors too much freedom. Most of the areas were assigned for residential detached houses. There are no areas for public services, arranged greenery, public squares. The commune of Michałowice (area of 3488 ha, population of 11934 in 2011) runs a more rational spatial policy. Its study of conditions and directions contains requirements of spatial management resulting from demographic development (in 2020 population of 18.3 thousand in the first option and 22.0 thousand in the second option), up-to-date function, development of infrastructure, state of spatial organization and the requirements connected with its protection, needs and opportunities of commune development. The concept of spatial management contains the idea of complementary development of the areas that are already designated as construction areas, necessity of limiting build-up and development of new areas because of the cost of infrastructure construction (especially purchase of land for roads and the necessity of creating land reserves for further development. There is a balance of areas according to the adopted policy and demographic absorption of areas. In the study of conditions and directions 2017 ha was assigned for construction including 1427 ha for residential purposes. Local land management plans cover 50 per cent of the commune. Just like in Lesznowola, most of the areas are assigned for detached houses with services. Areas for public services were assigned and the kinds of these services were specified. Areas for arranged and non-arranged greenery were designated, and in 2 villages (Reguły and Komorów) public squares were planned. The excessive and uncontrolled urbanisation of the commune of Lesznowola has caused its financial problems. The cost of land purchase for roads, as specified in the local land management plans, is estimated for ca. 597.5 million PLN [A. Olbrysz, 2011]. Lesznowola is one of the fifty most indebted communes in Poland [K. Kluza, 2013].