Kellner's PPF wants to build near Hostivice, locals are afraid

Hostivice (near Prague) - The company PPF Real Estate, which is part of the business empire of the richest Czech, Petr Kellner, plans extensive construction of houses and a golf course on the outskirts of Hostivice near Prague. Some local residents are concerned about the uncontrolled expansion of the municipality and oppose the construction. However, the project preparation is still in its early stages as it must go through all legislative processes. Tomáš Balvín, the investment manager of the company, told ČTK today after the first meeting with residents. He anticipates that construction could start at the turn of 2014 and 2015.
The company wants to build in the Břve area, which is located around three ponds on the outskirts of Hostivice, almost at the border of Prague. In the first phase, the project plans to build a nine-hole golf complex, and in the second phase, ten family houses with larger plots are to be developed. In the remaining two larger sections to the west of the Břevský pond, according to Balvín, a combined development of family houses and apartment buildings should be created.
According to Balvín, the houses are expected to accommodate around 800 people in total. Currently, about 200 people live in the Břve area, while the entire Hostivice has around 7500 residents. "Of course, this will mean some change, but it is certainly not a large project within Hostivice," noted Balvín. The project preparation, according to him, will still take time as it must go through the entire legislative process. "There is practically no way to proceed differently, and it is not in our interest either," he added.
Some local residents are protesting against the construction, having drawn up a petition. According to them, the company wants to build in an area that is a natural monument, and they believe that the conditions for construction there are unsuitable. "Neither the road nor the wastewater treatment plant are in a condition that could support several hundred new residents and at least the same number of cars," stated the author of the petition, Jindřiška Weinigerová. Balvín described the residents' concerns as somewhat misleading and wants to continue discussions about the project with them.
According to the mayor of Hostivice, Jaroslav Kratochvíl (ČSSD), the entire project is in its infancy and must go through a long discussion. If construction were to begin, the representatives must approve a change to the zoning plan. "I have no personal interest in whether construction happens there or not, so I will let the decision be made freely by the citizens and representatives," Kratochvíl told ČTK. He also noted that residents of the Břve area do not want the construction in order to preserve their "museum piece" in the locality.
PPF Real Estate manages properties and development projects for the international investment group PPF, whose main shareholder is Petr Kellner. The market value of the assets managed by PPF Real Estate approaches the limit of 1.2 billion euros. The company is among the largest entities in the market in the Czech Republic and Central and Eastern Europe. It currently provides service for 77 projects.