It’s more common to appeal building permits in Gothenburg than in the rest of the country. According to a report from Boverket, 112 building permits and advance notices were appealed in the City of Gothenburg during 2010.
The number of appeals in both Stockholm and Malmö is much lower, and this has been the case ever since Boverket started publishing the reports.
The report does not explain why Gothenburgers are more inclined to appeal. But it could be due to a combination of tradition and relatively high levels of construction in sensitive areas, writes Göteborgs-Posten (GP).
“As long as the right to appeal isn’t removed, people must be able to use their democratic right. But you have to be prepared to be questioned and that your motives will be discussed,” says Jan Jörmark, author, historian of ideas and Chalmers lecturer, to GP.
The term Nimby (not in my backyard) is often used in connection to appeals against building permits. But lately, the politically independent network Yimby (yes in my backyard) has joined the urban debate. The network wants a dense and diverse city which will increase the economic dynamics. The network is also positive to public transport, wants to reduce car traffic and wants to protect natural areas in the country-side from exploitation.
“It’s often a simplification to claim that the value of your home will drop if the city gets denser. Quite the opposite, it could generate more life and make the area more attractive. The value increases for those on the bottom floor as well,” says Jan Jörmark.
