Brno and civic initiatives do not like the spatial plan of Modřice

Modřice (Brno Region) - The draft land use plan for Modřice, which lies south of Brno and contains large shopping centers including Olympia, is not well received by some politicians from Brno and its districts, with the non-governmental organization Nesehnutí also protesting against it, Jana Plotková informed in a press release on behalf of Nesehnutí. They argue that it will lead to further increases in traffic and emissions. However, the mayor of Modřice, Josef Šiška, told ČTK that the planned commercial areas have been clear since 1998 and are now only being slightly adjusted.
    The site of contention is the area across from Olympia, across the D2 motorway, where the first shops were established last year and where the sports goods chain Decathlon has opened. Additional shops are also planned. "We are not expanding the areas that have been defined for years. Part of the areas has been designated for design so far, and part is being transitioned from prospective to design. The commercial zone near Olympia will not be expanded, as the last available plot of land is located between the motorway and Scont," Šiška stated.
    On the right side of the motorway, two large shopping centers have been built in the last 20 years - Avion Shopping Park and Olympia. A third one is gradually being established. According to previous assessments of some plans along the D2 motorway, visitors to these centers account for 40 percent of traffic on the motorway, and traffic complications occur during peak times. Those who oppose the further development of the centers are also concerned about the impact on retail in Brno. A survey of retail networks in 2013 revealed that 850 smaller shops have closed in the city over the past ten years, and two-thirds of residents travel by car to shop.
    For these reasons, Brno city councilors approved a resolution that opposes the plans of Modřice. "The huge shopping zone is already causing problems. I see no reason for its expansion, especially on quality arable land," stated Deputy Mayor Martin Ander (SZ).
    Šiška argues that Modřice had already agreed with Brno six years ago on what the strip on the left side of the D2 motorway would look like, which is partially in the cadasters of both Brno and Modřice. "Where there will be commercial use, there were originally to be warehouses, and we decided to convert some commercial zones into recreational and sports areas. This zone should extend all the way to Holásky," he stated.
    The proposal has already undergone public discussion, and the developer now must address the comments received. Afterwards, the final proposal will be presented to the councilors, who are expected to approve it. Šiška anticipates that this will happen in the autumn. Modřice wanted to have the plan much earlier, but they were waiting to see if the region would manage to create land development principles, which are still missing. They have now preferred to place the uncertain plans of the region into land reserves.