"Intolerable Commotion": Community Seeks Prevention of Development – Possible Refugee Shelter in Sight?
Residents of Munich's Solln district are voicing opposition to a proposed kindergarten project, expressing concerns about increased noise and disruption in a formerly quiet residential area.
The villa at Beuerberger Str. 9, initially intended to be converted into a kindergarten by the BHB corporate group, has become the centre of controversy. The kindergarten, to be operated by the private provider "House for Kids", was planned to accommodate 86 children, with facilities including a large garden, trees for play, and a ball pool in the old basement pool.
However, the project is currently on hold due to a lawsuit filed against the kindergarten permit. Opponents of the plans fear that the noise generated by 86 children would be unbearable, sparking resistance among the residents.
The district committee responsible for Solln, District Committee 19, supports the kindergarten plans. Yet, the opponents demand at least a noise protection wall between the kindergarten and neighboring properties, an expert opinion having confirmed their concerns about noise.
Interestingly, the project carrier, the BHB corporate group, has proposed an alternative use for the villa: as accommodation for refugees. Melanie Hammer, the managing director of the BHB corporate group, prefers the kindergarten over the refugee accommodation.
The BA (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz) had no objections to the plans for either the kindergarten or the refugee accommodation. A preliminary approval for the villa to be used as refugee accommodation has been received from the local building commission.
The court's decision on the lawsuit against the kindergarten plans is not yet known. Melanie Hammer, undeterred, still hopes for her "paradise for children". Meanwhile, several neighbors, including Franz Ruland, have filed the lawsuit due to concerns about noise, parking, and traffic.
It is crucial to consider local noise control regulations when addressing the noise concerns. German building and environmental regulations require developments to comply with local noise protection standards, with noise protection walls or barriers mandated or voluntarily constructed if noise exceeds permissible limits set by local ordinances. These walls serve to reduce sound transmission from childcare activities to neighboring properties.
In conclusion, the Solln kindergarten project is embroiled in a delicate balance between childcare needs and residents' right to quiet. The outcome of the lawsuit and the court's decision will determine the future of the villa and the peace in the Solln neighbourhood.
- Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Melanie Hammer, the managing director of the BHB corporate group, continues to advocate for the kindergarten project as a "paradise for children," emphasizing the importance of education-and-self-development and learning opportunities for the children.
- In an attempt to address the concerns of residents, the opponents of the kindergarten project have demanded the construction of a noise protection wall between the kindergarten and neighboring properties, as required by German building and environmental regulations for adherence to local noise protection standards.
