After former Grand Council president Yves Ravenel, prosecuted for domestic violence, another district syndic, that of Nyon, is summoned to appear in court. Daniel Rossellat, president of the Paléo Festival, disputes the fine of 2,000 francs that the prefect has imposed on him for having violated the forestry law. In question, a footbridge built last year to allow artists of the 44th edition to easily pass from the boxes to the new big stage installed on the plain of Asse.
The latter having a larger platform, with two even bigger screens and additional space for backstage technicians, the boxes had been pushed further. Hence the construction of a covered metal walkway over the small Asse river to allow artists to join the big stage discreetly and protected from the rain.
Authorization required?
It was the current cantonal forest inspector, Jean Rosset, who worked last year as an inspector for the arrondissement of Nyon, who denounced the realization of this work, when the festival was put together. Because this footbridge was not mentioned in the general development plan and, according to him, this work in the forest area required authorization, which was not done.
A position challenged by the boss of Paléo. “This achievement was made without any clearing or damage to the forest. And as this is a temporary installation, lasting less than three months, the planning law does not require a public inquiry or a building permit application, “said the trustee of Nyon.
He therefore appealed against the fine and intends to demonstrate Paléo’s good faith during the police court hearing, scheduled for 8 May. “We asked for a legal opinion from a neutral lawyer, who said that an authorization is only necessary if there is clearing, which was not the case here”, indicates Daniel Rossellat, ready to fight for a matter of principle.
The festival makes a global authorization request each year via the cantonal events portal (Pocama). “The bridge project certainly came a little later in the planning, when the big stage was set up. But we have warned the forest inspector, who has certainly expressed his dissatisfaction, “notes the trustee of Nyon, very serene. And to recall that building an ephemeral city of 50,000 people on 85 hectares, spread over five municipalities, is not easy. And that if twenty years ago, some adjustments were made “à la valaisanne”, the festival acted in the rules.
Created: 04.24.2020, 1:50 p.m.
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