The Ministry of Forest and Agriculture in Turkey has issued a White Paper on planning laws to be introduced up to the year 2025 with the aim of restricting the intensity of construction. The White Paper spans all the major tourist areas, covering the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines which until now have been subject to local planning strategies and have, in some areas, resulted in extensive property building.

"We welcome such an initiative," says Robert Nixon, Director of UK Operations for Nirvana International. "This is an excellent piece of legislation which covers not just the main tourist areas around the coast but also the cities and surrounding countryside. It is a sweeping approach to ensure that this beautiful country retains its very special appeal."

Turkey's new planning laws aim to protect and develop the country's resorts by closely watching the development of tourism in a controlled manner. They also aim to safeguard agricultural regions, green areas and areas of historical and cultural value such as forests, archaeological sites, national parks and energy source regions.

Planners will also now need to carefully consider city development areas, which will be coordinated according to the White Paper following the Government's population projection.

Nixon added: "In Turkey, before these new planning laws, vast areas of the country could have been threatened, but now there is some control we see it as an absolute bonus enabling buyers to purchase property knowing they will not be blighted by high rise apartments and an untenable density. "

Currently for sale through Nirvana International is Kalkan Villa Superior, located near Kalkan Harbour. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached house features an infinity pool, sea views, an open fireplace, stone vanity tops, marble floors and granite work surfaces. It is on the market at £399,000 / 598.500 euros.

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Article first published 17 October 2007