The Olomouc council approved changes to the land use plan, some people are against it

Olomouc – The City Council of Olomouc today approved a set of changes to the zoning plan after a long discussion, which also affects areas near Kašparova and Wellnerova streets, where the developer group Redstone plans to build apartment buildings with dozens of apartments. Some residents from the surrounding area disagree with the new residential development, have objections to the approved change in the zoning plan, and have not ruled out a lawsuit.

The Redstone group intends to build a residential neighborhood with several low-rise apartment buildings on the land between Wellnerova and Kašparova streets, near the swimming stadium. According to available information, approximately one hundred apartments and a new road connecting Kašparova and Wellnerova streets are expected to be constructed on the site of the former training field of the Sigma football club.

Residents in the area claim that the project will significantly increase traffic congestion on surrounding streets, disrupt the character of the villa development, and limit future development possibilities for educational and sports facilities in the area. They criticized the proposed changes to the zoning plan, which they believe prioritize housing development over the preservation of public and recreational functions of the area. "The relatively quiet area will turn into a dangerous transit hub," stated Eva Fargašová.

Councilor Pavel Grasse (ProOlomouc and Pirates), who is responsible for urban planning, pointed out during the council meeting that, according to the existing zoning plan, the lands around Kaštanova and Wellnerova streets are already designated as mixed residential areas where apartment and family homes can be built. According to him, the material approved today only includes minor adjustments to the boundary. "The basis of the area and its capacity definition was inserted into the zoning plan in 2014," he noted.

The approved set of changes to the zoning plan has been in preparation since 2019, and during the public discussion, comments were also raised by residents from Kašparova and Wellnerova streets, some of which were incorporated into the changes. Comments also concerned the traffic connections of the area, which have not yet been finalized.

The association "Let Wellnerova Remain the Best Address in Olomouc" is prepared to challenge the council's decision in court by filing a lawsuit to annul the general nature measure. "The documentation and evidence we have show such fatal substantive, procedural, and moral flaws on the part of the planner that they provide a hundred percent expectation of success in court," states today's statement from the association.

The Redstone group purchased the extensive land under the training field near the center of Olomouc in 2017 from the SK Sigma football club. The sale of the land was part of a complex transaction through which the football club settled its debts and then gained a new investor.