Engelberg: Planning zone for the village center

The planning zone was triggered by the fact that in recent weeks and months the local council has been confronted with applications and preliminary inquiries for the conversion of existing commercial and restaurant premises into new apartments in the village center, according to the local council. However, this contradicts the strategy of the tourism destination Engelberg, which, among other things, provides that the village center in the area between the train station and the monastery should be better connected and revitalized.

New apartments on the first floor at the expense of stores or restaurants are not in the interest of the residents' council and will therefore be prevented with a planning zone for the time being, until the next local planning revision can be completed, the statement continues. The area of the planning zone in the core of Engelberg is very suitable for hotel use due to its central location and as a place with an identity-creating, historical quality. The new construction of the Hotel Palace Engelberg Titlis at the spa park will strengthen this quality. Therefore, with the issuance of the planning zone, the conversion of hotels to apartments is also prohibited until the next local planning revision.

Specifically, premises located at the level of adjacent streets, sidewalks, or walkways may only be used as hotels, hospitality and entertainment venues, and other business and commercial establishments, such as restaurants, retail stores, beverage and food stores, or services. In addition, existing hotel establishments on all floors may not be converted, in whole or in part, to apartments.

The planning zone is initially valid for five years and can be extended by the government council, but can also be revoked at any time by the residents' municipal council. (ah)