Saeima commission urges regional development minister halt construction of high-rise building in Riga's Kipsala area
Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission has decided to send a letter to Regional Development and Local Government Affairs Minister Ivars Gaters, urging him to bring a halt to construction of the "Saules akmens" (Sun Stone) complex on the left-bank of the Daugava in Riga^apostrofs;s Kipsala.
Saeima Education, Culture and Science Commission has decided to send a letter to Regional Development and Local Government Affairs Minister Ivars Gaters, urging him to bring a halt to construction of the "Saules akmens" (Sun Stone) complex on the left-bank of the Daugava in Riga's Kipsala.
The decision was made by proposal from deputy Dzintars Abikis.
Commission deputies believe that the construction permit for the building (which is to house "Hansabanka's" offices) was issued illegally because the project is contradictory to Kipsala's territorial planning, and has not been coordinated with the State Cultural Monument Protection Inspection.
Inspection director Juris Dambis explained to the commission that Kipsala's territorial planning allows buildings no higher than 15 floors, but "Saules akmens" is to be 26 floors. Besides, a part of it is on a conservation zone. Dambis protested against the stance of leading officials in the Riga city council who claim that the number of floors is a moot point, the main thing is the height of the edifice, which is not indicated in the territorial planning.
Dambis added that he has already turned to Gaters on the matter, but has received no reply.
The inspection intends to also turn to the UNESCO World Heritage committee for its assessment of the construction. He said that if a state institution does this, "the scandal will be smaller" because state officials will be involved in reviewing the complaint.
Dambis believes that if the Environmental Protection Club (VAK) or an individual lodges the complaint, it will be reviewed without state participation, and that could bring moral damage to Latvia's international prestige.
Commission chairman Janis Strazdins informed the deputies that VAK has decided to turn to the Prosecutor's Office, Constitutional Court and UNESCO on the matter.
Emilija Kozule LETA
Copyright © LETA
The decision was made by proposal from deputy Dzintars Abikis.
Commission deputies believe that the construction permit for the building (which is to house "Hansabanka's" offices) was issued illegally because the project is contradictory to Kipsala's territorial planning, and has not been coordinated with the State Cultural Monument Protection Inspection.
Inspection director Juris Dambis explained to the commission that Kipsala's territorial planning allows buildings no higher than 15 floors, but "Saules akmens" is to be 26 floors. Besides, a part of it is on a conservation zone. Dambis protested against the stance of leading officials in the Riga city council who claim that the number of floors is a moot point, the main thing is the height of the edifice, which is not indicated in the territorial planning.
Dambis added that he has already turned to Gaters on the matter, but has received no reply.
The inspection intends to also turn to the UNESCO World Heritage committee for its assessment of the construction. He said that if a state institution does this, "the scandal will be smaller" because state officials will be involved in reviewing the complaint.
Dambis believes that if the Environmental Protection Club (VAK) or an individual lodges the complaint, it will be reviewed without state participation, and that could bring moral damage to Latvia's international prestige.
Commission chairman Janis Strazdins informed the deputies that VAK has decided to turn to the Prosecutor's Office, Constitutional Court and UNESCO on the matter.
Emilija Kozule LETA
Copyright © LETA
