ECM is demolishing in Pankráci, but cannot build

Prague - The company ECM, which wants to build two high-rise buildings in Prague's Pankrác area, has begun demolishing older structures there. ECM does not yet have a building permit to start constructing new houses; however, it reportedly has permission for the demolition. Representatives of civic initiatives who oppose the construction of high-rise buildings have complained about the progress of work.
    "We are carrying out the demolition based on a valid demolition permit, which came into effect on August 14," said ECM spokesperson Zuzana Doležalová today to ČTK. The spokesperson for Prague 4, Markéta Aulová, also confirmed to ČTK that the company received permission for the removal of the buildings.
    According to civic associations opposed to the construction of additional high-rise buildings on the Pankrác plain, the noisy demolition work lasts until late at night and on weekends. The companies are not using water sprinklers, and as a result, there is enormous dust in the area, stated Zdeněk Holeček from the Pankrácká company civic association. Doležalová said that demolition work takes place from 08:00 to 19:00, but by law, work could start as early as 7:00 and last until 21:00. She also noted that the dust from the demolition is reduced by watering.
    The company is removing the old buildings so it can start building high-rise buildings on their sites later. ECM has already applied for a building permit for them, but it does not want to estimate when it might be issued. However, it will likely take at least months. Prague 4 has already issued a zoning decision for the construction, but the municipal authority is currently reviewing it after appeals from civic associations, which have previously expressed their opinions on the buildings. It is also possible to appeal its decision.
    The dispute over the buildings has been ongoing since 1999. From a heritage conservation perspective, a verdict was made a year ago when the Ministry of Culture confirmed the municipal authority's decision that permits the buildings.
    High-rise buildings in Pankrác are a thorn in the side not only for civic associations but also for some heritage conservationists. UNESCO has also warned several times that the buildings could alter Prague's skyline and the context of the historical city center, which is listed as a World Heritage site. This summer, the UNESCO Committee recommended that the buildings should not exceed 60 and 70 meters in height. The company ECM plans to build two buildings in Pankrác. One is to be 104 meters tall, while the other is 75 meters, and even after this recommendation, it does not intend to build them any shorter. ECM interprets the recommendation as applicable only to future projects.