Successful spatial development in the canton of Neuchâtel
The Thurgau cantonal government has clearly positioned itself against the introduction of a property tax for second homes, a move that has the support of the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Finance (FDK). This development follows a parliamentary initiative that proposes a radical change in the taxation of imputed rental value. The aim is to give the cantons and municipalities the option of levying higher property taxes for secondary properties that are mainly used by the owner.
The canton’s latest four-year report on spatial planning (RAT 2023) highlights significant progress in the sustainable development of the area between 2019 and 2022. This period was characterised by stable population growth, an increase in the employment rate, more efficient use and densification of building land, progress in the area of sustainable mobility and environmental protection, a reduction in energy consumption and increased protection of agricultural areas. The revision of the development plans in the municipalities concerned in accordance with the new cantonal masterplan is nearing completion.
The State Council informs the Grand Council about the current situation in Neuchâtel’s territorial development through this report, which is drawn up every four years. It provides public information on spatial planning strategies and the progress made in implementing the Federal Spatial Planning Act and the new cantonal master plan approved in 2019. Internal development, the coordination of urban planning and transport, and the qualitative improvement of the living environment are the focus of this report, which also addresses climate issues and biodiversity.
Positive development trends recognisable
The canton’s population has risen to 178,173 inhabitants in the last three years, a growth that compensates for the deficits from 2017 to 2020. The number of jobs recorded an average growth of 0.3% per year between 2018 and 2021, with a significant increase since 2022.
Thanks to the active revision of the local development plans by the municipalities to implement the LAT and the cantonal master plan, 16 of the 27 municipalities submitted their revision documents to the canton by the end of 2023. Of the 78 hectares envisaged in the master plan, 19 hectares of poorly located residential areas have already been removed from the building zone. The remaining areas are to be developed through the ongoing revision of the development plans.
Densification in the economic zones is making progress: Over 4,057 new full-time jobs were created in the same area between 2014 and 2020. Three of the eight economic clusters have exceeded the targets, including the cantonal clusters Crêt-du-Locle and Microcity-EPFL as well as the regional cluster Saignoles in Le Locle.
Focus onmobility and environmental protection
The improvement of public transport services in built-up areas is progressing: in 2022, 64% of the population and 73% of jobs benefited from average to very good access to public transport. Major projects to implement the Mobility Strategy 2030, such as the Direct Line, the handover of the old H20 to the federal government and the Le Locle bypass project, are progressing according to plan.
The revision of the cantonal car park ordinance and the implementation of more than 15 measures of the bicycle mobility master plan, including 24 km of new cycle paths, as well as the approval of the hiking master plan with 69 km of new hiking trails, promote sustainable forms of mobility.
Outlook and next steps
The revision of local development plans will continue until the end of the year, focusing on the creation of sustainable neighbourhoods, the development of high-quality public spaces and the promotion of mixed-use hubs. The State Council welcomes the progress and cooperation of all parties involved in the implementation of these important steps towards more sustainable spatial development.