Small request addresses possible effects of outdated development plans on urban development
Darmstadt, July 22, 2025 -the spokeswoman for the FDP parliamentary group in the city parliament, Marie Guerdan , has submitted a small request for the planning law requirements for gastronomic uses in the Johannesviertel in Darmstadt. Specifically, it is about a regulation from the development plan N1 from 1988, according to which bar and food economies in the neighborhood are fundamentally excluded.
Gastronomy as an economic and social anchor
"At that time it was apparently about preventing an excess of gastronomic use in order to secure urban planning goals," said Guerdan. "Today the situation is very different: Many gastronomic companies are fighting for survival. The city needs gastronomy not only as a social but also as an economic anchor."
Guerdan refers to a current survey by the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), according to which a third of the companies (33.5 percent) calculate in 2025 with losses. Rising costs, the return to the full VAT and falling sales are mentioned as the main reasons.
Worry about structural desolation
Guerdan warns that outdated development plans could hinder modern concepts : "Young and flexible companies can hardly find any suitable rooms if new locations are excluded through rigid specifications. Without more planning law flexibility, structural desolation threatens - at the latest when existing companies have to close."
Questions to the magistrate
In the small request, the FDP asks the following questions:
- Does the magistrate intend to check or continue the catering limit in the Johannesviertel?
- Are there similar restrictions in other parts of the city? If so: where, when were they decided and with what objective?
- What are the possibilities for subsequent use if an existing catering operation permanently closes?
The FDP calls for urban development to be aligned with current needs. Planning law instruments would have to be checked regularly for their appropriateness - especially in times of economic uncertainty.
(Red/FDP)
