MMR abolished the regulation of the construction of high-rise buildings in the Olomouc region

Olomouc - The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) has canceled part of the principles of spatial development of the Olomouc Region concerning the regulation of high-rise buildings. According to the MMR, the material was not sufficiently publicly discussed, and the section related to conditions for building high-rise buildings is contrary to the building law. Until now, cities had to adhere to this regional condition when creating spatial plans to prevent high-rise buildings from disrupting the historical skyline. The regional council approved an update to the principles of spatial development in the region today, bringing them in line with the building law.
    In August, due to doubts, the governor of Jiří Rozbořil (ČSSD) requested a statement on the principles of spatial development of the Olomouc Region from the MMR. "By not holding a repeated public discussion, municipalities in the Olomouc Region were denied their rights," states the October decision of the MMR, which revoked the disputed passage. Ministry officials pointed out that the revised building law does not allow the regulation of building heights in the principles of spatial development of the region.
    "Large commercial areas of shopping and entertainment centers must be located outside heritage-protected areas and outside visually exposed places in terms of distant panoramic views," stated the revoked section of the material.
    The principles of spatial development of the Olomouc Region have been frequently discussed in connection with the Šantovka Tower high-rise building project, which is to be built in Olomouc within the protective zone of the city’s heritage reserve. At 75 meters, Šantovka Tower would share the position of the second tallest building in the city with the town hall.
    Opponents of the high-rise building argued that the project is contrary to the principles of spatial development of the region, which take precedence over the spatial plan of Olomouc. The new spatial plan, which has not yet come into effect, also does not anticipate any further high-rise buildings near the city heritage reserve. The Ministry of Culture expressed opposition to their construction during its preparation.
    The Šantovka Tower project is being evaluated by city hall officials. However, SMC Development does not intend to wait for the new spatial plan to be approved. If it obtains permission based on the current plan, it can begin construction even after the new version comes into effect, which will not happen until 2014.
    In addition to heritage conservation experts, some specialists also oppose the construction of the Šantovka Tower, claiming that it would damage the panorama of the historic center of Olomouc. Investors have a different opinion. "We are still preparing the project; there is unnecessary hysteria surrounding it. Thanks to Gallery Šantovka, it is shown that our visualization corresponds to reality. The informal report from the city hall agreed with us. We did not present any manipulative images, and we believe that this building belongs in Olomouc," said investor representative Richard Morávek to ČTK.
    The Šantovka Tower project was prepared by SMC Development. The building, located next to the Galerie Šantovka shopping center, is planned to have 22 floors. SMC Development estimated the construction costs at 400 million crowns. If SMC Development obtains the necessary permits, it plans to begin construction in 2014.