Challenging Trostburg: Fairytale castle unused for years because of the neighbor

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Three years ago, Trostburg above Teufenthal AG was for sale. The historic property with 20 rooms and views of the Wynental was ultimately awarded to Siesta-Immobilien AG from Rüschlikon ZH. They wanted to transform the castle, previously used privately, into a venue for public events: its location and facilities are ideal for weddings, celebrations, events or seminars.

But nothing has come of it so far. “For two and a half years we have not earned a penny in Trostburg,” says the responsible director of the “Aargauer Zeitung”.

Objections prevent use

We know this very well in Switzerland: Objections delay the implementation of the project indefinitely.

In the present case, the local council of Teufenthal found that the use of the rooms for wedding ceremonies constituted a “change of use requiring approval”. The new owners presented a concept that only “small, manageable events” should take place. There are 13 parking spaces in the castle car park, additional cars must be parked in the village. Despite two complaints, the local council approved the change of use. However, the owner of the rejected objection did not give up and filed a new complaint with a higher authority. And it was immediately announced that every means would be exhausted to prevent public use of the castle.

Is there a reason for the objection? Must the public give up a use – which is strongly desirable given previous reservations – to protect individual interests? The government council’s legal service is currently examining the complaint. The “summer season” for weddings is almost over.

There is a debate going on in the village as to whether mass use of the castle will disrupt peace and tranquility in the long run. The focus of fear is on increased traffic and parking. However, the castle management argues that they not only prepared the castle, which is expensive to maintain, as a “jewel” for the village, but also wanted to make money from it as an event venue.

Source :Blick