Harleshausen rejects new hospice building: natural idyll in danger!

Harleshausen rejects new hospice building: natural idyll in danger!

There has been discussion in Harleshausen for some time about building a new hospice on Geilebach. The local advisory board has now unanimously decided to reject the development of the Geilebachaue. Although this resolution is not binding, it sends a strong signal to the Kassel city council. The proposal to reject it found support among members of the SPD, Greens and Left, while two representatives of the CDU abstained. The plans for the hospice were first discussed by the local advisory board in October 2022 and have been stalled since then. According to HNA, 800 people have already spoken out against the project. These concerns are supported, among others, by the Higher Nature Conservation Authority, which has advised against development due to significant negative impacts on the climate.

While the plans for the hospice aim to offer residents a natural setting for their final days, a citizens' initiative sees a potential threat to the idyllic location. Conservationists and residents express concerns that the clearing of strips of trees and bushes and the possible sealing of areas could have negative consequences for the local ecosystem. Apparently, Diakonie and the city of Kassel do not have much interest in finding alternative locations, which is criticized. The citizens' initiative calls for more transparency and participation in decision-making. As Hessenschau reports, the location was considered the only one more suitable for the project, although the former deaconess hospital was also considered.

Conflicting opinions and resistance

The operators of the hospice, the Evangelische Altenhilfe Gesundbrunnen from Hofgeismar, have emphasized the support for their project. Managing director Ralf Pfannkuche pointed out that twelve places were originally planned for terminally ill people, but these were reduced to ten. He made it clear that despite alternatives available, no suitable locations were found. In the discussion, mayor Wintersperger focused on the perspective of nature conservation and emphasized the need to protect the stream meadow biotope instead of just looking at the economic benefits of a new construction project.

The construction project should not only provide space for the residents, but also integrate nature as part of the hospice concept. Kassel city planning officer Simone Fedderke defended the project by pointing out that it was outside of renaturation areas and that there was no risk of flooding. Despite the resistance, particularly from residents and conservationists, the city does not see any other areas in Kassel that would meet the requirements of a hospice.

The final decision on the location is still pending. At a time when nature conservation and surface sealing are becoming central issues in city policy, the project could become a precedent for future construction projects. The discussion about the hospice at Geilebach shows how complex the balance between human needs and ecological protection really is.