Bad Fischau-Brunn halts new Spar supermarket over plan changes
Plans for a new supermarket in Bad Fischau-Brunn have been halted by the municipal council. The project, initially set to expand into a larger Eurospar branch, was redesigned by Spar without prior agreement. Mayor Stefan Zimper confirmed the construction ban on Monday, citing the change in plans as the reason. Last year, Spar proposed building a bigger Eurospar store on the site. The Pöll family, who have run the local Spar market for decades, were behind the project. Instead, the company later decided to construct a smaller 750-square-metre supermarket, abandoning the original 'green Eurospar' design.
Spar spokesperson Nicole Berkmann acknowledged the shift to the reduced-size store. However, the move sparked opposition from local officials and residents. SPÖ chair Michaela Binder pointed to worries about flood risks and extra traffic in the area. The Green Party supported the downsizing, calling it a step towards a more sustainable community.
In response to the dispute, the municipality has begun redesigning a nearby railway crossing. It has also started rezoning an adjacent plot to address spatial concerns. The construction ban remains in place for now. The municipal council’s decision reflects ongoing debates over development and sustainability in the town. Spar’s revised plan for a smaller supermarket will need further review before any progress can be made.
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