The referendum on the hypermarket in Náchod is not valid

Náchod - The referendum in Náchod regarding the construction of a shopping center on the site of the former Tepna textile factory is invalid. Only 13.7% of voters turned out, while a 35% participation rate is required for validity. The majority of those voting expressed opposition to the construction of a hypermarket in the center of Náchod, said Michal Kudrnáč, a representative of the referendum preparation committee and a Náchod councilor (Green Party), to ČTK.
    The residents of Náchod responded to two questions: whether the city should buy the land from Tepna and whether it should insist on adhering to the zoning plan that does not allow for the construction of a hypermarket. 87% of those voting were in favor of the purchase, while 85% supported proceeding according to the zoning plan.
    "It happened as we feared, which is why we wanted it to coincide with the local elections. Unfortunately, not enough voters showed up for it to be binding," Kudrnáč stated. However, he noted that the turnout is not bad compared to, for example, the second round of the Senate elections.
    Opponents of the hypermarket argue that the project is not in accordance with the zoning plan. The construction would supposedly mean an unbearable traffic burden for the entire area. Activists wish for the central land to be utilized better, preferring block development of the area with a traditional street system to stores. The project has so far received a non-final zoning decision. The stores should be located in the city center near the Náchod Castle. The center is to be built by JTH Holding, which owns the Tepna site.
    According to Kudrnáč, the results of the referendum, although not binding, should serve as a guideline for the city's self-government. The majority of votes against the hypermarket is significant.
    This year, the city initiated its own initiative and reached an agreement with the developer JTH Holding to purchase a portion of the land in the Tepna area, measuring 0.55 hectares, for 9.9 million crowns. The decision on the purchase of the land will ultimately be made by the new council. However, opponents of the plan argue that purchasing about one-fifth of the land does not solve the problem, as the hypermarket is still in the developer's plans for the former Tepna site.