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Citizens' initiative demands planning halt and examination of alternatives
The citizens' initiative "Preservation of the Field Edge Location & Nature Reserves Münster" strongly opposes the potential designation of an industrial and commercial area north of Altheimer Straße. The area – listed as Option 3.3 in the South Hesse Regional Plan 2025 – borders directly on a Natura 2000 site (Special Area of Conservation and Bird Protection) as well as the residential area "Im Seerich".
The initiative is particularly critical of the fact that even the local NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) group in Münster reportedly only learned of the plans through members of the citizens' initiative, although the process has been underway since 2023, according to the municipality. The initiative speaks of significant shortcomings in transparency and participation.
"An industrial area directly adjacent to a Natura 2000 site endangers species, landscape and quality of life. The fact that even the NABU (German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) knew nothing about it shows how flawed the procedure is," the citizens' initiative stated in a press release.
Key objections to the plans
• Significant conflicts with greenbelts, agriculture, climate and groundwater protection
• Legally problematic proximity to the FFH and bird protection area
• Significant disadvantages for the adjacent residential area "Im Seerich"
• Lack of or insufficient examination of alternative locations
Demands of the citizens' initiative
- Immediate planning halt for the industrial area
- Deletion of option 3.3 from the regional plan
- Examination of low-conflict alternative locations
- Complete environmental, FFH and traffic impact assessments before further planning
The group announced its intention to continue its intensive involvement. "We will use all democratic and legally available means to ensure that this nature reserve is not endangered by an industrial area. We are many – and we will be heard," the initiative stated.
Important dates
December 8, 2025 – 7:00 p.m., Münster Town Hall:
The municipal council will discuss its statement on the regional plan under agenda item 10.
December 15, 2025 – Regional Assembly at the Darmstadt Regional Council:
Consultation and evaluation of the regional plan at state level.
Contact with the citizens' initiative
- Felicitas Göbel – ing.goebelf@web.de
- Marcel Born – Musclecar@web.de
- Carsten Müller – MuellerMaschbau@aol.com
(PM)
