The owner demolished the heritage sections of the mine in the Most area without permission

Most – The company Nord Plus, which has been the new owner of the land of the former Julius V. Mine in Most since last year, had a trio of protected buildings demolished without the permission of the authorities. The landowner now faces a hefty fine and imprisonment. They defend themselves by claiming they were unaware of the heritage protection status of the buildings. The police are also investigating the incident.

According to spokesperson Alena Bartošová, the police received a criminal complaint and initiated criminal proceedings for the crime of abuse of ownership. The owner faces up to two years of imprisonment, a monetary penalty, or a prohibition on activity.

The area of the former Julius V. Mine from the 19th century had been a heritage site since June 2000. Three buildings were protected: the engine room, the former baths and changing rooms, as well as the administrative building. The owner had all of them demolished. The representative of Nord Plus stated that he was unaware that the buildings were protected and that the former owner, who sold them, was also unaware. According to him, the buildings were in very poor condition, lacked roofs, and had crumbling walls, which is why the company had them demolished.

The National Heritage Institute filed the criminal complaint. According to spokesperson Věra Brožová, the monuments were not in a state of emergency. The land still remains a cultural heritage site according to Brožová, and any construction activity on it is subject to heritage care approval. The owner faces a fine of up to two million crowns, which will be decided by the Most city hall as the relevant administrative authority.