Plzeňský region disagrees with the change of the zoning plan that was processed by the Ministry of Regional Development (MMR)

Plzeň - The Plzeň Region disagrees with the change to the Territorial Development Plan of the Czech Republic (TDP), which was prepared by the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD). By the end of the week, they will submit their comments on the proposed plan. This was approved today by the councilors. The plan defines seven acceleration areas in the region with a total area of 30 square kilometers, where 60 wind turbines could be built. This is significantly more than what the region should justly contribute nationwide, said regional councilor Petr Fišer (ANO) to ČTK today.

“The expert territorial study we commissioned establishes that the number (of wind turbines in the region) should be 15 to 20," he stated. The acceleration areas are planned for easier permitting of wind farms. This would allow these sources to obtain permits in a so-called accelerated procedure within a year. The largest areas in the region are in the south of Plzeň. The map was published by the MRD on April 14.

According to Fišer, the region will send its comments on the TDP change to the ministry by May 15. They will be divided into four areas - regarding municipalities, regional development, environmental protection, and heritage care. According to the councilor, the region has received opposing opinions regarding the acceleration areas from 37 municipalities. They request that the region take all steps to protect the landscape, natural and settlement values of the affected areas and to preserve the widest possible decision-making authority of self-governments in assessing and locating wind turbine constructions.

For instance, this is how the municipalities of Řenče, Střížovice, and Únětice from the south of Plzeň argue. They ask the region to actively defend the municipalities and residents. They demand the exclusion of zones from the plan change. They argue about noise, visual dominance in the landscape, loss of the area's quiet character, and the risk of threatening groundwater and the water regime. According to them, the proposed areas encroach on territories with high landscape and cultural value, and tens of wind turbines would change the landscape's character and worsen the quality of life in the area.

"We disagree with the changes as proposed (in the TDP). The current proposal defines seven locations in the region with a total area of 30 square kilometers, which would allow for the construction of around 60 wind turbines," said Fišer.

"Discussions about areas for wind turbines should have been held with the citizens, not to establish acceleration areas rigidly and leave the municipalities faced with a fait accompli," said the mayor of the four-thousand-strong Blovice, Robert Zelenka (We Live Blovice, SNK). According to the mayors, the landscape from the Radyně Castle to the Zelená Hora Castle near Nepomuk, the strip between the Úhlava and Úslava rivers is not suitable for high wind turbines.

"Primarily, all municipalities are afraid that by defining acceleration areas, they will be deprived of the ability to make decisions about their territory and someone else will make decisions for us," said the mayor of Chválenice, Pavel Kvídera (For Citizens).

A public discussion with the municipalities will take place on May 15 in Prague, and comments can be sent until June 1, inclusive.