Old town or climate protection? In Graz, this issue of priorities is increasingly causing turbulence between potential builders and the authorities. A solution is being worked on.
Blue, yellow, green (tall) houses, glittering roofs, black Eternit panels, power station, cemetery: the view from the Calvary of Graz gives a colorful picture of the surroundings.
Petra and Gerhard Baumann were all the more surprised that their planned photovoltaic installation on the roof of their house on Kalvarienweg (Gösting) was negatively assessed: “Our project doesn’t even need approval, it just requires a notification, for us it was actually just a pro forma case”.
Decision shakes heads
22 standard panels had to be installed “to reduce energy costs and protect the climate”. Unfortunately, the Old Town Commission decided that the panels would disrupt the view from nearby Calvary.
With cases like this on the rise, the Greens have now filed an urgent motion to the General Council calling for an amendment to the state’s legal basis: “The approval process for PV systems in the Protected Old Town Area should be simplified for the city.” .”
Potential of 1700 hectares
Green Councilor Alexandra Würz-Stalder specifies: “Given the energy and climate crisis, the expansion of photovoltaics is the order of the day. For this we would have a potential of 1,700 hectares of roof space available in Graz. The installation of PV systems in the area of the old town is currently only possible in individual cases – that must change!”
Grazers are attractive
In any case, the Baumann family does not want to give up so quickly: “We will make the decision, that is certain. We would like to know exactly what the Commission is struggling with. Although – one thing is also clear: we cannot wait forever. The cost estimate is already several thousand euros, and waiting every month makes it more expensive in times like these.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
