The allegorical parade kicked off the discussion of the Brno master plan

Brno – The public discussion of the urban plan for the city of Brno began today in Pavilion E at the Brno Exhibition Centre. The discussion was preceded by an allegorical procession organized by the Brno movement Nesehnutí. Activists wanted to draw attention to what they believe is insufficient attention to climate change and the protection of public green spaces in the urban plan.

Nesehnutí proposes to incorporate 17 measures into the urban plan that, according to their experts, will help the city better face the climate crisis. "If the proposed urban plan remains unchanged, the city will waste a unique opportunity to facilitate the construction of bike paths, cool the city through green roofs and facades, or manage rainwater better,” stated the campaign coordinator for Sustainable Brno, Barbora Kosinová.

The procession started after a short happening featuring masks representing elements such as green roofs, rainwater, or the sun, from Mendel Square to Pavilion E at the Brno Exhibition Centre. Some people then participated in the public discussion of the urban plan. Approximately one hundred people attended, mostly asking about specific measures planned in their urban areas.

The draft plan was published by the Brno City Architect's Office (KAMB) in March, and the public was able to familiarize themselves with it online or at the district offices. Comments can be submitted until June 30, either individually or through a so-called public representative. Comments can also be made during the public discussion, and the city office has set up a mobile submission point at the reception of Pavilion E for the duration of the event. Officials are required to address all comments.

The current urban plan has been in effect in Brno with various updates since 1994, and 2022 is the latest deadline according to building law for the new plan to come into effect. Developers are optimistic about it, claiming for years that the outdated urban plan hampers residential construction.

The urban plan defines development areas for various types of activities, sets the direction for building transport routes and other infrastructure. One of the major changes is the abolition of the floor area index. It used to be at the core of disputes between citizens and developers, who often tried to place taller buildings in urban areas. Instead of the index, buildings will be limited by maximum height.

According to the Brno City Architect’s Office, the new plan will be more flexible, reducing the need for frequent changes. However, some view this supposed advantage as a disadvantage, believing it will allow constructions that a stricter plan would prohibit. A number of people are opposing the proposal, demanding significant corrections in favor of green spaces in courtyard areas and for gardens.

Another public discussion, where people can get answers to their questions from the authors of the new urban plan, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, again from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Following that, responses to questions called in to the toll-free hotline 800 411 400 will be provided. These responses are again scheduled to continue until midnight, as they were today.