Dispute over Plagwitz civil station: green toad threatened by development!

Dispute over Plagwitz civil station: green toad threatened by development!

On July 5, 2025, the Leipzig city council made a decisive decision on the planned Plagwitz civil station. On June 26th, the results of a long participation process were presented, which included over 40 participants, including LEWO AG, residents, citizens' initiatives as well as environmental associations and various political groups. The aim was to develop a consensus paper that unites the different interests.

The city council voted with a large majority in favor of a resolution that provides for the transfer of around 60% of LEWO AG's original property into municipal ownership. This corresponds to an area of ​​around 12,000 m², which is to be developed ecologically and sustainably in the future. The Westbahnhof is also to be transferred into municipal hands.

Species protection and challenges

A central issue in the conflict over the Plagwitz civil station was species protection. The environmental association Ökolöwe had already called for a construction stop in 2022 because there was a lack of thorough recording of protected species. The newly commissioned species protection report has now shown that the last population of the strictly protected green toad lives in the planned area. This report shows the risk of extinction of this species if the planned development proceeds as planned. The green toad cannot be easily relocated, further complicating the situation.

Citizens and environmental associations have submitted over 900 objections to the development plan and are demanding both the preservation and expansion of the park. The Ecolion urges the city of Leipzig to protect the green toad's reproductive site and terrestrial habitats and appeals to LEWO AG and the city to consider alternative locations for their construction plans. The Plagwitz public station is seen as an important recreational and natural area, the importance of which continues to increase given the population growth in the west of Leipzig.

Outlook and public participation

The city follows the principle of “double internal development”, which aims to enlarge the public train station. Ökolöwe's initiative to call on citizens to work to preserve green spaces shows how important this space is for the local community. Citizens have the opportunity to support the appeal to protect green spaces and to actively participate in the discussion.

The Ecolion's species protection report is also available for download and is intended to help bring transparency to the process and provide information for responsible planning. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect the Plagwitz community station and whether a balance can be found between necessary urban development and the protection of valuable living spaces.

In summary, the issue surrounding the Plagwitz public train station shows how complex urban planning can be in a densely populated and ecologically sensitive environment. The dialogue between the city, citizens and environmentalists will be crucial for the future of this area.

For further information on the developments surrounding the Bürgerbahnhof, LIZ refers to the relevant reports. Ökolöwe has also provided extensive information and materials on the topic.