"Regensburg's Transformation Noticed": City Halts Construction on De Facto New Buildings at the Schelmengrav
Streetside in Regensburg, a monolith rises, a behemoth of concrete and steel, casting an ominous shadow over the Schelmengraben. Eclipsing its humble predecessor, this unfinished edifice, anchored by a towering crane, stands as a testament to ambition. But the hustle and bustle of construction ceased three months ago, in mid-March, when the city of Regensburg slapped on the brakes.
The culprit? A notable disparity between the building's true dimensions and those sanctioned in its approved plans. "The increased volume of the building was glaringly obvious," clarified the city's communications office, hinting at unauthorized expansions under the guise of "energy-efficient renovation and renovation measures."
Construction stalls, penalties loom
Initial reports surfaced in the Mittelbayerische Zeitung, suggesting the owner, a well-heeled lawyer, seeks to transform the current dwelling for up to twelve parties - complete with terraces and an underground garage. While such plans required a simple energy-efficient renovation back in 2020, the reality appears to have morphed into a near-complete overhaul.
With the green light withdrawn, the city demanded a halt to further construction, backed by the looming threat of fines reaching as high as half a million euros. And it's not just about the penalties: "Unauthorized construction…constitutes disorderliness under Art. 79 Para. 1 Sentence 1 No. 8 BayBO," the office elaborated.
Settlement or court battle?
The builder, undeterred, launched a lawsuit with the administrative court, arguably a move to preserve negotiation avenues. The city, however, sees this as a precautionary maneuver - the prospect of a protracted legal dispute is not set in stone. The municipal office shared:
As of now, the city claims no complaints from nearby residents concerning the construction. Yet, whispers of concern swirl around the unplanned expansion. Neighbors worry about the additional traffic on the narrow street and the potential impact of the significantly larger structure on the surrounding buildings in this slope location.
The city, however, remains reassuring.
The attorney-owner seeks to convert the building into a residence for up to twelve parties, with additions like terraces and an underground garage. This expansion, falling under the guise of energy-efficient renovations, has led to a near-complete overhaul, prompting a halt in construction due to non-compliance with the approved plans.
The builder, in an attempt to preserve negotiation options, has initiated a lawsuit, yet the possibility of a lengthy legal dispute is deemed uncertain, as the city is currently in discussions with the builder to achieve an acceptable planning agreement.
