Gstaad building restrictions come under fire from architects
Some of the architects involved in the reconstruction of old chalets along the Promenade in Gstaad have complained to the 'Bau-, Verkehrs- und Energiedirektion des Kantons Bern (BVE)' in Bern that the so-called Planungszone -- which imposes a freeze on certain types of chalet reconstruction in a defined area of central Gstaad -- is, well, illegal. So now there is quite some discussion going on about whether the commune of Saanen has been correct in the way they have handled things. More as we have it.
so what once was a very nice and small swiss mountain village, a ski and trekking paradise, is to become a horrible "luxury", Dubai-style, anonymous place for wealthy (and very often boorish) people.
The reason? Good old MONEY. That's all.
I'm sorry to say that, but being a regular since 1989, I really think I can tell the difference.
Posted by: A.C. | Thursday, 10 February 2011 at 01:55
You must mean "Good" New money...
Posted by: to A.C | Thursday, 10 February 2011 at 07:43
In June 2009 the population democratically voted that the local government should elaborate a new planing zone and corresponding building regulations for the center of Gstaad. The new plan will be put to vote at the communal assembly on coming march 11th. What is so illegal about the new planing zone? Do the involved architects think that the new building regulations will reduce their income potential?
Posted by: Niki Rommel | Sunday, 13 February 2011 at 07:49
Good old money, good new money.....boorish is boorish. I couldn't agree more. Money has never bought CLASS or REFINEMENT nor has pretentiousness or pomposity. And I do wish they would pick up after their dogs!
a regular since 1967 - alma mater - montesano
Posted by: montesano mon amour | Sunday, 13 February 2011 at 22:47
As stated by Niki Rommel before, we (the local population) voted democratically for new building regulations that should prevent building of 'over sized' chalets in the future. I agree, times have changed as up to now no such regulations had been necessary. A lot has changed since wealthy guests started buying the chalets and shops at outreagous prices along the Promenade. These people a n d local architects are the few wanting big money in short time - with all the disagreeable changements...
But one thing to you all of you who regret 'the very nice and small swiss mountain village': If one likes it or not, even in Gstaad time moves on and you cannot stop something here, thats going on all over the world!
Posted by: a resident - born at Gstaad Promenade | Tuesday, 22 February 2011 at 15:36