Lonato Zoning Plan Safe Despite Legal Ruling, Forza Italia Claims
“The zoning plan to be scrapped? No way, it’s just a matter of coordinating a new urban planning tool with the Region.” For Forza Italia, the recent ruling by the Courts of Cassation examining several cases of illegality of some articles of Law 499 (simply called the Financial Law), “does not automatically” cancel the Zoning Plan of Lonato, as “administrative acts based on a decree-law that has not been converted are voidable or contestable for legitimacy reasons and retain their effectiveness if not challenged.” Therefore, for Forza Italia, the PRG (Piano Regolatore Generale, General Zoning Plan) is not at all useless paper, and they therefore call on the City Administration to immediately open negotiations with the Region.
This is because the Pirellone (nicknamed Regione Lombardia) might be the one challenging the Lonato PRG. So what is being suggested? “We invite the current Municipal Administration — explains Valerio Silvestri, coordinator of the Forza Italia group in Lonato — to continue studying an updated urban planning instrument that, based on the approach of the current one, seeks the approval of the Region.”
Developments and concerns about the consequences
“Meanwhile — continues Silvestri — we strongly reaffirm the necessity to proceed along the old path, not even contemplating the scenario that could unfold for citizens, but especially for public administration, should someone or the majority itself endorse the nullity of the Zoning Plan out of political revenge or selfish self-protection.”
“All property transactions for buildable land in recent years would inevitably lead to legal disputes for damages, involving also the Municipality, which has always (including the last eight months) certified the developability of the areas.”
Forza Italia, which sits alongside Insieme per Lonato (Together for Lonato) in the City Council opposition, also questions the decision made by the majority not to convene the minority group leaders on the matter, “who always represent 70% of the population.”
Meanwhile, the City Council convening (probably on December 28) is awaited, which will provide official communications and initiatives adopted by the Executive regarding this judicial ruling, which has cast a yellow hue over Lonato’s real estate scene.
What still causes anxiety and fears — from ordinary citizens to construction companies — is the risk of the town once again falling into deadlock.
Roberto Darra