The dispute centres on the cantonal calculation methodology. St. Gallen continues to classify the Toggenburg in its structural plan as a region with particularly high reserves of land for development and the lowest expected population growth. Consequently, from the canton’s perspective, rezoning remains technically justified, even though the resident population has recently risen again.
The latest cantonal figures highlight the contradiction. At the end of 2025, 49,605 people were living in the Toggenburg constituency, 0.6 per cent more than a year earlier. The regional factor of 0.5 remains particularly controversial politically, whilst other regions operate with significantly higher figures.
bears the brunt of the burden Ofthe just over 42 hectaresof landearmarked for rezoning across the canton, more than 36 hectares are in Toggenburg. The municipalities affected are Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann, Nesslau, Ebnat-Kappel, Neckertal, Mosnang and Lichtensteig. For municipalities with limited commercial and development land in particular, the structure plan thus becomes a critical issue for their future.
Government sees no reason to change course
In a response to a parliamentary motion, the St Gallen government stated that, whilst the figure for the Toggenburg appears to have been set too low for the coming years, Nevertheless, it does not intend to change the rules in ongoing procedures at short notice. It cites planning consistency, equality before the law and the fact that, despite growth, Toggenburg continues to have the highest total reserves of settlement areas in the canton.
Neckertal illustrates the practical implications
The process is at the most advanced stage in Neckertal. There, the canton is demanding the rezoning of 10.8 hectares. In Hemberg, 1.7 hectares have already been legally rezoned. In Oberhelfenschwil, covering 2.8 hectares, and in the former Neckertal, covering 6.3 hectares, the measures have been approved but are not yet legally binding due to pending appeals. In total, the municipality could rezone around 14 hectares, thereby even exceeding the cantonal target.
An appeal could affect the structure plan
Apending appeal in the Neckertal case remains a contentious issue. If the ruling turns out to be more restrictive, this could have consequences beyond the municipality for the entire St. Gallen structure plan. For landowners, local authorities and businesses, this is about more than just individual plots of land. It concerns the future scope for development in a region that is growing again, yet remains on a restrictive course in terms of planning.
