Szczecin councilors passed a resolution to conduct an inspection at the city hall to explain why consent was granted to build the controversial block of flats at 18 Szymanowskiego Street. The consent was withdrawn by the Provincial Administrative Court in Szczecin.
In October 2024, the Provincial Administrative Court in Szczecin withdrew the permit for the construction of a new block of flats at Szymanowskiego Street and ordered the reimbursement of costs to the complainant. The parties received a written justification of the judgment. The investor, the well-known Szczecin company Modehpolmo, now has 30 days to file a cassation appeal.
Resident Mirosława Czaplińska said she was satisfied with the October verdict because she had some faith in the judiciary and the rule of law. – For now, we are waiting to see what will happen next. As far as I know, the office will not appeal. We'll see what the developer will do, she added.
View of the plot where the block was to be builtTVN24
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Inspection at the office that issued the consent
According to Andrzej Radziwinowicz, a councilor from Szczecin, the judgment regarding the construction of a block of flats at 18 Szymanowskiego Street is a milestone in dealing with the phenomenon of path-development. – From now on, the courts and public administration bodies they will be more attentive in all such sensitive matters – added the politician.
In its justification, the court pointed to the irregularities of the underground parking lot. – The investor declared it as a temporary facility that is not included in the development intensity. The court said that it should count and questioned it – explained Radziwinowicz.
Andrzej Radziwinowicz: This is a milestone in looking at the phenomenon of path developmentTVN24
Councilor Przemysław Słowik said that after the court judgment, which was favorable to the residents, the city council adopted a resolution ordering an inspection. – We need to check how it happened that the office granted permission for construction – he explained.
– Officials should bear the consequences and, above all, draw conclusions so that no social group will ever be harmed in this way again – added Słowik.
There were supposed to be eight meters between the blocks
Residents of the block of flats at 18 Szymanowskiego Street have been protesting against the construction of a block of flats next door since July 2023. The developer wanted to build a residential building and a parking lot on a small plot of land. Residents of the neighboring block protested against this, as they were deprived of the surrounding greenery or the ability to use the sidewalks.
Two thousand signatures on the petition were not enough for the city hall to change its decision and exchange plots with the developer. The officials explained that the development of this area was permitted by the local development plan, and the location of the block was consistent with the construction law, so they had to issue a building permit. It also did not help to appeal this decision to the West Pomeranian Voivode, who stated that the construction project was legal.
The residents appealed against the decisions issued in court.
Main photo source: TVN24