A step too far? Residential development in Lillkågeträsk

Landowners in Lillkågeträsk, near Skellefteå, want to designate a rural area as suitable for housing development.

The area at Lillkågeträsket.

The area at Lillkågeträsket.

Foto: Skellefteå kommun

Skellefteå2024-04-26 14:00

– The area in Lillkågeträsk presents a prime opportunity for development, says Urban Sjöström, one representative of the landowner group. 

Municipalities in Sweden have the authority to designate specific zones within their plans for targeted rural development. These designated areas, known as LIS areas, allow for exemptions and shoreline protection adjustments based on the specific development goals.

While the landowners haven't finalized the exact details of the proposed housing construction, factors like plot size will play a significant role in the planning process. An official application has already been submitted to the Skellefteå municipality requesting the revision of the LIS plan to incorporate the designated area in Lillkågeträsk. The primary purpose of the revision is to facilitate a densification of the area through residential development.

According to the application, "The development of new residential areas in Lillkågeträsk presents an opportunity to design living environments that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and diverse housing options, all the while capitalizing on the advantages of a shoreline location."

The proposed development area is situated on the southern shore of Lillkågeträsket. An ecological assessment encompassing roughly two hectares of the designated area has already been conducted. The assessment concluded that "the area, positioned on a ridge adjacent to the southern shore of Lillkågeträsket, exhibits minimal natural value due to extensive human influence through forestry practices."

The landowners have identified several key factors that make the area particularly well-suited for development, including:

  • Proximity to established and cohesive residential neighborhoods
  • Direct access to existing power and broadband infrastructure
  • Convenient access to transportation routes, including public transit options and major roads