The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) has recommended that the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, and Pohang City collaborate to address the issue of residents being unable to exercise their property rights due to aviation safety height restrictions.
On November 25th, the ACRC concluded that even if a building exceeds these height restrictions for aviation safety, the military should cooperate to allow residents in the area to exercise their property rights.
According to the ACRC, 11 business owners and 291 residents within Pohang City’s Aviation Safety Zone 2 attempted to rebuild or renovate factory buildings, old apartments, and flood-damaged homes. However, the Navy did not agree, citing that the proposed developments would exceed the aviation safety height restrictions.
The business owners and residents challenged the decision, arguing it was unreasonable to deny consent for these developments, as aircraft operate at altitudes higher than the surrounding mountains.
The ACRC noted that the height restrictions in the area are set below ground level, forcing businesses and residents to negotiate all actions with the military. They also highlighted safety concerns, such as the lack of a sidewalk at the entrance to the residents’ apartments, which has resulted in fatalities.
In response, the ACRC has expressed its opinion that the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, and Pohang City work together to find ways for the residents and business owners in the designated zone to exercise their fundamental property rights, even if the structures exceed building height limits.