Will the IKEA Eshtaol Opening be Delayed?

As published this week in 'Calcalist', the planned opening of the Ikea Eshtaol branch may be delayed, as the result of a construction deviation of 8,500 sq.m from the 17,000 sq.m originally approved.

Although the project developer's submitted plan which included the request for additional space was approved by the local planning and construction committee in Mate Yehuda, the Jerusalem District Committee recently discovered the updated plans and in a rare move, filed an appeal to the district appeal committee. In their appeal, they claim that the planning and construction committee of Mate Yehuda approved the plans in contradiction to the law. The addition of land requires the approval of the Jerusalem district committee and they oppose the addition.

In an interim decision by the District Appeals Committee, the approval of the plan was canceled and a hearing on the appeal will take place today (Thu, Feb 20). If the Appeals Committee decides not to approve the addition of the space, the issuance of the Tofes Arba (confirmation that the building is finished and ready for population) for the complex is expected to be delayed, and will only be issued when the developers receive the approval of the planning committees for demolition or sealing of the area, or only after they succeed in legalizing the exception. This move, as stated, is opposed by the Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee.

Attorney Avraham Eberman, of Ephraim Abramzon's firm representing the developers, argues that "The legal advisers of the local committee and the investors believe that the approval is valid and therefore the plan is valid. We estimate that there will be no changes in the IKEA schedule and the operation of the store."

According to the district commissioner, the committee knows that there are exemptions from permits and issued recess and demolition and adjustment orders. Of course, the Tofes Arba will not be granted until construction permits are adjusted.

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