SPD is fighting against residential construction on the historic cemetery in Halderner Feld

SPD is fighting against residential construction on the historic cemetery in Halderner Feld

The discussion surrounding the development of the former Protestant cemetery site in Halderner Feld is taking on more and more concrete forms. The SPD parliamentary group on the Rees city council has spoken out clearly against the plans of an investor who wants to build a two-story residential building there. This reports Local click.

Although the SPD recognizes the need for housing in the Haldern district, the party representatives appeal to those responsible to first examine alternative development options. Councilor Bodo Wißen in particular sees the development of the park-like area as critical and demands that no development takes place before all options have been exhausted.

Impressive gem in focus

Harry Schulz and Heinz Dähn, who took a look at the site before the parliamentary group meeting, describe the area as a true “gem”. Dähn advocates developing the area as a park and recreational area. Schulz, on the other hand, emphasizes that in view of climate change there is an increased need for shade from old trees as well as suitable infiltration options for heavy rain.

The SPD parliamentary group also expresses concerns about the legal basis for the construction project in accordance with Section 34 of the Building Code. Important criteria such as the preservation of the townscape and healthy living conditions were not sufficiently taken into account. Peter Friedmann, parliamentary group leader, brings ethical concerns into play and speaks out against residential occupancy in a cemetery, but instead wants the green space to be preserved.

Green oases in urban areas

But the issue of cemeteries is not only important locally. A study by the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR) records the current situation of the cemetery system in German cities and highlights the fact that cemeteries are not only places of worship and remembrance, but also form an important part of the municipal green structure. This clarifies BBSR.

With around 32,000 cemeteries in Germany that house around 32 million graves, communities are faced with the challenge of maintaining these areas as green oases, while at the same time social changes are reducing the need for traditional forms of burial. Given the expected increase in the number of very old people over the next two to three decades, this requires a rethink and strategies for cemetery development.

Cities are faced with the task of growing sustainably and minimizing land consumption. This perspective is also shared by initiatives such as the Greens in Walldorf, who are placing the ecological aspect of urban development in the foreground as part of their “Walldorf 2050” project. The integration of green spaces is essential in order to secure the living space for future generations, which is based on the Green Party websites can be read.

A central goal is to create a healthier environment characterized by parks and sustainable open spaces. These aspects are particularly relevant when it comes to finding the balance between construction activity and the preservation of nature and recreation in urban areas. In view of these challenges, it is important to find creative solutions that are important not only for housing construction, but also for the preservation of valuable areas such as Halderner Feld.