Escalating controversy near the swimming pool, as officials take a clandestine position
In the picturesque town of Affalterbach, Ludwigsburg district, a heated debate is unfolding over the fate of a swimming pool. The pool, owned by Frank Stahl and Claudia Falkenstein, was built without the necessary permits, and local authorities have demanded its demolition. However, the couple has launched a petition to challenge this decision and save their beloved swimming pool.
The Petition Process
Petitions in Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, are a means for citizens to voice their concerns and request changes from the parliament. A petition is typically a written document, often accompanied by supporting signatures, that is submitted to local or state authorities.
In the case of the Stahl-Falkenstein swimming pool, the petition has been sent to the Petitions Committee of the Landtag in Baden-Württemberg. This committee is responsible for obtaining statements from relevant ministries and authorities, with a designated member entrusted to prepare a report.
The Specific Case
The swimming pool in question exceeds the permissible limit by just four square meters, protruding into the planting requirement of the property. The local municipality of Affalterbach, however, does not consider compensatory measures like planting a tree or greening a garage as a solution.
The petition procedure may slow down the process of enforcing the demolition. The Ludwigsburg district office may choose to wait for the Petitions Committee's decision before taking further action. If the committee classifies the authorities' action as "disproportionate," they could potentially stop the demolition.
Legal Considerations
The demolition of an illegal swimming pool would be based on local building regulations and zoning laws. If deemed illegal, local authorities have the power to enforce its removal. It's advisable for the couple to consult with local authorities or legal experts to understand the specific legal framework and procedures applicable in Affalterbach.
The Current Situation
Currently, the Petitions Committee is on summer break and will only meet again at the end of September. Frank Stahl has written to the committee to stop the demolition, but the deadline for the demolition, set for July 15th, has already passed. The couple is hoping to exhaust all possibilities to save their swimming pool.
The demolition of the swimming pool would cost approximately 100,000 euros, a sum that the couple fears would be their ruin. They are willing to pay for an ecological offset to resolve the issue.
As the petition process unfolds, the fate of the Stahl-Falkenstein swimming pool hangs in the balance. The Landtag in Baden-Württemberg processes petitions, including during the holiday season, so a resolution may not be far off.
As the petition process continues, Frank Stahl and Claudia Falkenstein work diligently to save their swimming pool, seeking alternatives to demolition that align with home-and-garden zoning regulations in Affalterbach. The lifestyle of this couple is deeply entwined with their property, and the potential loss of their beloved pool has severe financial implications, potentially totaling 100,000 euros.
