Can Demolition Works on the Iconic Berlin Tegel Airport be Stopped by Registering it as a Protected Building?

Question from Oskar, Can Demolition Works on the Iconic Berlin Tegel Airport be Stopped by Registering it as a Protected Building?

Answer from AI:

In Germany, the protection of cultural heritage is governed by the law of monument protection (“Denkmalschutzgesetz”). This law allows for buildings of significant cultural, historical, or architectural value to be registered as protected monuments. However, the process of registering a building as a protected monument and stopping ongoing demolition works is complex and involves several steps.

Process of Registering a Building as a Protected Monument

The process of registering a building as a protected monument generally involves the following steps:

1. Application: An application must be submitted to the relevant state monument authority. In the case of Berlin Tegel Airport, this would be the Landesdenkmalamt Berlin.
2. Evaluation: The authority will evaluate the building based on its cultural, historical, or architectural significance. This process can take several months.
3. Decision: If the authority decides that the building qualifies as a protected monument, it will be added to the monument list. This decision can be appealed in court.

Stopping Demolition Works

Stopping ongoing demolition works is more challenging. Under German law, once a building is registered as a protected monument, any changes to the building, including demolition, require a permit from the monument authority. However, if the demolition works have already started, it might be difficult to stop them.

In such cases, an urgent application can be made to the court for an interim injunction to stop the demolition works. The court will weigh the public interest in preserving the building against the interests of the owner and the potential economic consequences of stopping the works.

Legal Advice

Given the complexity of the process and the potential legal and economic consequences, it is strongly recommended to seek legal advice before attempting to register a building as a protected monument and stop ongoing demolition works. A lawyer specialized in cultural heritage law can provide personalized advice and guide you through the process.

For more information on the law of monument protection in Germany, you can visit the German Federal Law Gazette or the Brandenburg State Office for Monument Preservation.

Please note: This information is intended to provide a general understanding of the law. It is not intended to provide legal advice. Please consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.