The “Erlenhöfe” residential neighborhood in Wenigenjena is set to be expanded

Yesterday (July 2, 2026), the Jena City Council established the planning-law requirements for the expansion of the “Erlenhöfe” residential neighborhood north of Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. With the approval of the project-specific zoning plan VBB-Wj20 and the associated implementation agreement, the “Carl Zeiss” eG housing cooperative can now carry out the planned construction project in Wenigenjena.

The plan calls for the construction of four three-story apartment buildings with a total of 28 residential units on a previously undeveloped site east of “Erlenhöfe.” Thanks to their staggered heights, the new buildings blend into the natural contours of the terrain and expand the existing “Erlenhöfe” residential area.

“With this project, we are creating additional housing in a sought-after location while making use of existing infrastructure. At the same time, important environmental, climate, and noise protection requirements are being taken into account,” says Dirk Lange, Director of Urban Development and the Environment.

Access and Mobility

Access to the new residential neighborhood will be provided via the existing cul-de-sacs of the “Erlenhöfe.” The project developer will connect these to form a ring road and transfer them to the city upon completion. The necessary parking spaces for cars will be located in a garage level. In addition, bicycle parking facilities are planned in accordance with the City of Jena’s parking space ordinance.

Thanks to the good connections to public transit, the required number of parking spaces is reduced in accordance with the city’s parking space ordinance. At least 24 parking spaces must be provided for the 28 residential units.

Environmental and Climate Protection Considerations

Extensive environmental considerations were examined during the planning phase. Green roofs are intended to help improve the microclimate while also retaining rainwater. Additional measures for stormwater retention on the building lot are intended to reduce the burden on the area’s drainage system.

To enforce species protection regulations, measures have been specified—including those to reduce the risk of bird strikes on the facades of the buildings directly adjacent to the Gembdenbach stream. In addition, provisions have been made regarding the management of light emissions and the preservation of existing tree and shrub structures.

Since the planning area is subject to significant noise pollution from traffic on Federal Highway B7 (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße), comprehensive noise abatement measures have been mandated, particularly for the buildings located to the south.

Implementation Agreement Governs Execution

The implementation agreement concluded between the City of Jena and the “Carl Zeiss” eG housing cooperative ensures the timely implementation of the project. In addition to the construction project itself, it also governs measures for environmental and species protection, stormwater management, construction site organization, and the transfer of land to the city.

In the next step, the implementation agreement and the resolution adopting the VBB-Wj20 zoning plan will be submitted to the Thuringian State Administrative Office for approval. Once approved, the zoning plan will be published in the Jena Official Gazette and will thereby take effect.