Olomouc wants to change the zoning plan in favor of housing

Olomouc - The Olomouc City Hall wants to expand the number of areas designated for residential construction in the city. There is an acute shortage of them in the regional capital. The city council approved a proposal for a change in the master plan during today's session, which would accommodate those interested in building plots. Thanks to the change in the master plan, dozens of family homes could rise in the city.
    The city leadership wants to amend the master plan in favor of housing in the city districts of Holice, Slavonín, Neředín, Povel, in the area near Klášterní Hradisko, and Wolkerova Street near the city center. "In some places, the change would allow for the construction of just one family house, but for example, in the area in Neředín, several dozen family homes and also apartment buildings could be built," said Mayor Martin Novotný to ČTK.
    He noted that the city hall sometimes struggles to implement plans to expand residential areas because the Agricultural Land Fund refuses to consent to construction. It protects the quality arable land surrounding Olomouc. "Even with this change in the master plan, we will be facing complex negotiations with the Agricultural Land Fund," added the mayor.
    In connection with residential construction, the city leadership is also preparing the sale of municipal land that is already designated as building plots in the master plan. The city hall has identified 81 locations with a total area of nearly 42 hectares. The plots are to be offered to individuals and development companies.
    "These efforts are related to the fact that the city of Olomouc has long been experiencing a shortage of areas, especially for family houses, but also for modern-style apartment living. This problem has a direct impact on the population count..., we must do everything we can to ensure that people do not leave for the surrounding villages," said the mayor.
    In Olomouc Region, last year the number of completed and started apartments increased year-on-year. Builders embarked on the construction of about 1,800 apartments and completed approximately 1,300 apartments.