As of: February 28, 2024, 7:00 p.m
By: Armin Forster
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Wistful look: Farmer Josef Adlkirchner worries about his prospects.
© Forster
If this planning application goes through, a farm near Wang will be completely surrounded by PV systems and the A92.
The farmer is horrified, the community's hands are tied.
Wang
- “As a farmer, you are a natural person,” says Josef Adlkirchner, and his wistful gaze wanders over the fields and meadows behind his farm in Spörerau near Wang in the Freising district.
“In the future, I will no longer be looking at natural areas, but rather at a photovoltaic park.” This prospect is very worrying for the 61-year-old.
He was 16 when the A92 was paved along the east side of his family's property.
Then, a few years ago, the first ground-mounted PV system was built north of the farm.
Now the owner of the neighboring property to the south and west is also planning to build photovoltaic modules on a large scale.
It will be 3.7 hectares - and Josef Adlkirchner's view of nature would be largely obstructed.
Adlkirchner can already see the Autobahn 92 and PV modules from his farm.
© Forster
Not only the farmer, but also the Wang local council sees this as having a “crushing effect” on the farm and has repeatedly refused to approve the preliminary decision application from the non-resident building applicant.
“We see the personal rights of our citizens at risk,” says local boss Markus Stöber.
“The farm would be completely surrounded.”
Mayor: “This direct proximity to the property is simply problematic”
Wang, with its 2,600 residents, is considered a model community in the district; in relation to its own consumption - albeit primarily through hydropower - it has produced by far the most electric power for years and was named solar district champion for this.
“PV systems next to the motorway definitely make sense,” says Mayor Stöber.
“But this direct proximity to the property is simply problematic.
We want to protect the farmer from this.” However, he is aware that this will remain a pious wish.
The decision-making authority lies with the district office - and there the legal situation is considered clear: the PV system represents a privileged construction project in the outdoor area because the field is a maximum of 200 meters away from the motorway, explains official spokesman Robert Stangl.
The argument of the oppressive effect on the farm “could not be legally convincing”.
A maximum height of four meters cannot produce such an effect, explains Stangl.
“Also because there are gaps between the individual modules.”
If the plans go through, the farm will be completely surrounded by PV systems and the A92.
© Graphic: Forster / Aerial photo: Bavarian Surveying Administration
Josef Adlkirchner can only shake his head at these words.
“It is very common that as a citizen you are completely left alone here.” Even if the authorities only adhere to the building law, “they could still give an indication that there must be an exception here.”
If the project goes through, he fears a drastic loss in the value of his property.
“I'll soon be ready to retire.
I have to think about who actually wants to buy this farm between the highway and photovoltaics.” As he walks across his farm, between a few ducks, stacks of wood and the John Deere bulldog, the 61-year-old looks at the printed one again Plan of the construction project.
Then he says in a depressed voice: “At the moment we hear every day that the farming community is in danger.” Photovoltaics on roofs or on a slope, yes, that makes sense to him, says Josef Adlkirchner.
But on agricultural land?
“If this is the future, at some point there will be no more food.”