Switzerland/Sustainable regional development takes shape in Neuchâtel

Positive and encouraging results. These are the main conclusions of the quadrennial spatial planning report presented by the Neuchâtel authorities on Friday. In their view, development and sustainability are on the right track.

93 pages and one conclusion: Neuchâtel is moving in the right direction. At least, that was the message from the authorities on Friday morning, when they presented the quadrennial report on town and country planning. The report gives a positive assessment of the sustainability of the canton's spatial development from 2019 to 2022.

A complex dossier

The report provides an interim assessment of the situation, four years after the implementation of the Federal Law on Spatial Planning (LAT) and the new Cantonal Master Plan approved in 2019 by the Federal Council.

The report reveals "encouraging, even good" results, emphasizes Laurent Favre, State Councillor in charge of the Department of Spatial Development and the Environment. In particular, the report points to progress in terms of energy consumption, protection of agricultural land, a slight increase in public transport services and a clear rise in employment in the canton. "The trend is positive," emphasizes Laurent Favre.

Laurent Favre: "The dynamic is good in terms of demographics and jobs, with, at the same time, a shrinking carbon footprint".

Major projects launched

The canton's Mobility Strategy 2030 objectives are also well underway. The Le Locle bypass project has begun, and the preliminary project for the direct line has been launched, the text recalls. "Within 15 years, the completion of these major infrastructures will bring an even greater quality of life".

PAL revision "on track

Another noteworthy development in Neuchâtel's regional planning is that the revision of local development plans is currently being finalized. At present, 18 communes have already submitted their dossiers for review, while the others, particularly those affected by the resizing of the building zone, will have to complete their revisions by the end of the year.

Numerous challenges

While the various results are encouraging overall, the cantonal authorities point out in their report that the aging population and the energy transition still represent real challenges. "We are still struggling to make progress in the field of renewable energy, with the Neuchâtel wind power concept in particular taking a long time to implement", concludes Laurent Favre. /gjo

Source: www.rtn.ch/rtn/