Berlin court permits tree felling for Charlottenburg plant upgrade

The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg has ruled that the felling of ten horse chestnut trees is permissible for the modernization of the Charlottenburg heating plant. The decision follows an emergency legal protection application by BEW Berliner Energie und Wärme GmbH.

The company is modernizing the plant by installing three new gas-fired turbine units, four electric hot water generators, and auxiliary facilities. The trees in the Am Spreebord green area are slated to be removed to make room for construction site personnel containers.

While the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf District Office had previously prohibited the felling, the court determined the district office lacked the authority to issue such a ban, as the matter had already been settled during the emission control permit process. As compensation, BEW is required to plant 19 trees and provide long-term maintenance, including three years of development care and 22 years of upkeep, while adhering to species protection regulations.