Builders in Grafrath could plant more tree species in the future.
A facade or roof greening could also be required.
Not in general, however.
Rather, each development plan should be decided separately.
Grafrath -
Actually, Monika Glammert-Zwölfer (Greens) and Manfred Heilander (Grafrath Unity) had hoped for a generally valid green area through their advance.
But it did not get to that.
Instead, one will examine in individual cases, so Mayor Markus Kennerknecht (non-party), "what makes sense and can be implemented in future development plans".
In an earlier meeting, Glammert-Zwölfer had already criticized the strict and no longer up-to-date specifications in the development plans, including with regard to the trees to be planted - usually native plants.
She therefore wanted an extension: "It makes sense to also allow non-native trees that are adapted to climate change."
The members of the building committee therefore asked a representative of the planning association to show them the possibilities.
According to this, it is legally possible to specify tree species if they are of urban significance according to the local conditions - for example with a view to the landscape or climate conservation.
It is not possible to exclude certain types of plants, for example conifers.
The Chinese yellowwood, the Siberian elm and the common robinia, for example, are considered to be environmentally friendly foreign trees.
The greening of facades and roofs also improves the microclimate, according to the association.
This is recommended in densely built-up industrial areas and housing developments with small gardens.
Gravel gardens want to ban Glammert-Zwölfer and Heilander.
The building committee did not make a decision.
Kennerknecht explained that the statements of the planning association should be given to planners in future development plans.
Citizens can apply: Trees of old apple varieties are distributed
The goal of a project by the Social, Art and Culture Foundation is clear: more trees for Grafrath.
Above all, old apple tree varieties should grow again.
That is why the Grafrathern Foundation pays a tree for the garden.
The project was initiated by the Board of Trustees Sybilla Rathmann and Manfred Heilander.
The two are also active in the local council and in principle took up what was discussed there for the community's green structure (see main article): The planting of old fruit varieties such as the Hornburg pancake apple, the Idared or the Jakob Lebel should be promoted.
The foundation, which according to its statutes also promotes environmental and landscape protection, has now made a total of 8,000 euros available for the purchase of apple trees of old varieties for the years 2021 and 2022. Property owners can apply to the municipality for a tree worth 35 to 45 euros. As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Mayor of Grafrath, Markus Kennerknecht, explains, new construction projects from the past few years are initially taken into account, and later further gardens. There is no entitlement to a tree as the number of trees available is limited by the financial framework.
