Court upholds plan for spa hotel near Naantali church

Turku Administrative Court has rejected appeals against a zoning amendment that would allow a three-storey spa hotel near Naantali’s old town, Yle reports. The court ruled that the city council’s decision in December was lawful.

The hotel is planned for the site of the Kesti-Maaria service home, close to Naantali church.

The court said several studies had assessed the landscape and cultural heritage values during preparation of the zoning amendment. It found the studies sufficient to determine whether the plan met zoning requirements, and said the church’s prominence in Naantali’s landscape would not change significantly.

The court also found that the plan would not significantly reduce anyone’s quality of living environment or cause unreasonable harm.

Sunborn companies, a housing company next to the planning area and the Permit and Supervisory Authority appealed the city council’s decision. German company Kurland is planning the hotel project.

The ruling can be appealed if the Supreme Administrative Court grants leave to appeal.