Professional paper
The Residents' Reaction to An Undesirable Intervention Into the Surrounding Space
Nataša Lončar-Butić
Milan Župančić
; Institute for social research in Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Magdalenić
; Social Work Studies, Faculty of Law, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In this paper the authors present findings of the sociological research into the expected effects
and consequences of building »Croaton« brickworks factory and also of the exploitation
of raw material (claypit) on the local enviroment and primarily, on the quality of living
of residents of Kraljevecki Novaki and Sesvete, fringe areas of the Zagreb urban region
(Kraljevecki Novaki - former autonomous settlements and the parts of the town Sesvete today).
The research was carried out as part of a wider study about the impact of factory
construction on the environment. The following qualitative methods were used: the analysis
of professional literature; the analysis of documentation, space plans and statistical
data; interviews with local residents (residents of the immediate neighbourhood), representatives
of local self-government, representatives of factory investitors, expert planne rs
responsible for space planning of the area; and field obse1vations with participation.
The authors have established that in this intervention into space as well, there are several
inte rest groups (social actors) included, with various views about the effects of factOiy operations.
Residents of the immediate neighbourhood of Kraljevecki Novaki have at their
disposal the least amount of information and the least influence compared to decision-
makers. The same applies to the representative of local self-government (Urban district
Sesvete of the City of Zagreb). Both groups have expressed concern and predicted
adverse effect relating to the operations of the proposed factory. Contrary to that, factOiy
investors expect mainly positive results, both in respect of fa ctory operations and the possible
effect on the environment and life in the nearby settlement.
Keywords
factory construction; public awareness; power in decision-making; environmental impact; quality of living of the local residents; conflict of interests
Hrčak ID:
101750
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2002.
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