Telgte – The gardens in the recent development area of Telgte are meticulously maintained: accurate lawns between trimmed hedges, grills on terraces, flowerbeds. One garden stands out. Robert Salomon (41) has fulfilled his children’s dream by building a complete soccer field with artificial turf, barriers, safety nets, and goals.
The 16 by 8 meter soccer field is a children’s paradise. But even in the peaceful town of Telgte (population 20,000), as Schiller wrote, the most athletic person cannot live in peace if the neighbor is not pleased. A debate has erupted, extending from over garden fences to the city offices in North Rhine-Westphalia, over the all-too-German question: may one design one’s garden as one wishes?
Neighbors Complained
“The trouble came quickly,” says father Robert Salomon to BILD. “Neighbors complained that the floodlights were too bright and the leather ball too loud. The truth is, the floodlights were never connected and the children only play with foam balls. And only until 7 p.m., not at all on Sundays and public holidays.”
The city nevertheless sent officials for a control visit. Officials took photos, used measuring tapes – and shook their heads. “The gentlemen told me, ‘This is not okay, the development plan does not provide for this.’”
Numerous letters, statements, and an administrative procedure later, the mini soccer field now faces demolition. Robert Salomon, crestfallen: “As a craftsman, I should have known better. But it’s not a sealed surface, the playing field is completely water-permeable. We just thought everything was okay.”
Family Hopes for Compromise
The facility, designed with a BVB theme, cost several tens of thousands of euros, and the family had forgone vacations for years to afford it. “Everyone talks about how we need to do more for the children,” says father Salomon frustratedly. “This is a dream reach true. Can’t we position our heads together so we can receive away with a yellow card? We are willing to compromise and do not want to disturb anyone. We are talking about the most attractive thing in the world: playing soccer.”
BILD asked Telgte’s mayor, Katja Behrendt (47, Green Party), for her opinion: Does it really make a difference whether it’s a lawn or artificial turf in the garden? “The question doesn’t even arise,” said the politician. “There are clear legal requirements, and everyone must adhere to them. Building regulations were not met here. The permit requirement for such facilities was also not observed. Tiny playing fields in gardens within residential areas fundamentally contradict the purpose of residential areas.”
A very orderly statement, no question. The building application that the father submitted afterwards will probably not be approved. The question to the mayor: How would you explain to the children that their beloved soccer field must be demolished? “There are rules that everyone must follow. Even if it is sometimes sad. Soccer is played in almost every garden where children live. However, this does not require a small playing field with artificial turf.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the debate over the soccer field?
Complaints from neighbors regarding perceived noise and light pollution, despite the father stating the floodlights were never connected and the children used foam balls until 7 p.m., prompted the city to investigate.
What is the city’s position on the soccer field?
The city maintains that the soccer field violates local building regulations and was constructed without the necessary permits, and therefore cannot be allowed to remain.
What is the current status of the soccer field?
The soccer field is currently facing potential demolition following an administrative procedure and the rejection of a subsequent building application.
Perhaps some neighbors will soon long for the days of artificial turf and foam balls.
