Critics of a big shopping mall project on the edge of Hradec Kralove are celebrating after they forced the investor to carry out an EIA before moving forward with construction. They managed to convince regional offices to insist on the process as a condition for it receiving permits. While it’s not expected to block construction entirely, it will result in a delay of up to one year on the project, whose investor hoped to begin building within two years. The investor will have to respond to criticisms lodged against the project and hold public discussions on the project. “Although the project of the investor is in line with the master plan, we’re prepared to comment on the construction and hold negotiations to ensure it has the least possible negative influence on the quality of life of residents in the area and on the natural environment,” said Hradec Kralove’s mayor Alexandr Hrabalek, according to the daily Mlada fronta Dnes. Called Shopping Park Nova Zelena, the mall will be built on 25 hectares of land between the Kukleny district and the D11 motorway now under construction.
