Last year, news asked the question: How many cabins will be built in Norway in the future? Nobody knew the answer. Now the Norwegian Institute for Natural Research (NINA) has calculated that areas the size of 200,000 football pitches have been set aside for new cabins. Is it important for you to have access to the cabin? – The area is 1,479 km² or four times the size of Mjøsa for cabins. This is three and a half times the area of densely built cottage areas that exist today, according to NINA researcher Trond Simensen. One million cabins In Norway, close to half a million cabins have been built today. Simensen estimates that if new cabins with spacious plots are built in this area, there could be space for a million cabins in total. – It could affect both the environment, nature experience and local community development. It is important to have an overview of current plans in order to make sensible choices when land is to be used, says Simensen. The largest areas set aside for cabins are in Innlandet, Viken and Trøndelag. Want to stop development In Vinje, one of Norway’s largest cottage municipalities, residents are fighting tooth and nail to stop cottage development. The cabin rebels have now chosen to put forward a cross-party village list for next year’s election. OPPONENTS: Irja Godal wants to stop the construction of cabins. Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news – It is being built close, but the surrounding area will also feel pressure from hikers. It degrades nature for grazing, but also for wild animals, says initiator Irja Godal. Depending on cottage construction There are also opposing voices who believe that cottage development is important for the municipalities. In Nord-Aurdal, mayor Knut Arne Fjelltun wanted more cabins. The municipality was on the top list of the most start-up permits in 2021. – It is important that you look at which areas you should build on and which you should avoid. But cottage construction creates growth, development and is good for the industry. We have many companies that depend on cabin construction. It has major ripple effects, he told news at the start of the year. Want a border In the report to NINA it is stated that 8 per cent of the vacant area is in the habitats of the wild reindeer and 10 per cent is in areas with bogs. Leader Trond G. Hagen of the Norwegian Cabin Association is concerned that cabin development will destroy the living conditions of animals. – The municipalities do too little to find out when they have reached a maximum number of cabins, says Hagen. He is calling for more investigations into how development will affect the environmental and cultural landscape. – Sensitive areas must be protected. I don’t think municipalities in many areas take this into account, he says. Can avoid conflict Researcher Trond Simensen at NINA encourages municipalities to see if they have old and outdated plans lying around. – To get an overview, it is a good idea to take out outdated plans. This avoids unnecessary conflicts about land use, and does not give unrealistic expectations to landowners and developers.
ttn-69
200,000 football pitches set aside for cottage development in Norway – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
