2015/16
Vollskogen is re-regulated as housing area on behalf of the property owners Hans Tore Heir og Lorenz Erik Colberg, despite the county governer’s initial objection (Ås Avis, 11.11.2015).
2019
Heir, Colberg, and Rambøll AS aspire to build more than 200 buildings in Vollskogen, thereby exceeding the amount initially planned for in the municipality’s housing program (Ås Avis, 12.11.2019).
2020
November: Resistance from the working group concerning the conservation of Vollskogen and Extinction Rebellion (XR) Ås, who stress the forest’s importance for recreation and local outdoor life. XR quoted in Ås Avis (07.11.2020): “A construction project that destroys valuable forest is in no way a measure that is consistent with a sustainable development of Ås. Ås municipality is making irresponsible choices, and now they are trying to raze the local environment without asking us.”
December: Petition & Demonstration at Meierikrysset (Ås Avis, 02.12.2020).
2021
June: SiÅs voices concerns about the increased potential for conflict betwen students and families (As Avis, 25.06.21)
July: Opsahl Gruppen proposes a zoning plan for Vollskogen to Ås municipality, hoping to start sales in 2022.
August: Let the greenwashing begin! Opsahl Bolig presents plans to build 280 houses in Vollskogen, calling the project “Garden City” and proudly announcing the conservation of a “green belt”, car-free yards, and parks. Well, who wouldn’t trust a tree-hugging real estate developer? (Ås Avis, 21.08.21).
MDG reject Opsahl’s plans due to Vollskogen’s recreational value and the heavily increased traffic associated with construction. MDG add that the development of Vollskogen will further erosion and runoffs into the Oslofjord, countributing to its collapse (Ås Avis, 23.08.21).
October: The student parliament’s new resolution clearly rejects any development in Vollskogen, as quoted in Ås Avis (27.10.21): “Time and time again, housing development is prioritized over vulnerable and important nature, without having an overview of the natural values that are being lost. In Vollskogen, there are several ecosystem services that are worth preserving, such as carbon storage, wind protection and surface water management. This is a forest with the potential to house greater biodiversity in the future, if the forest is preserved. Ås has already built down a number of forests and at some point you have to say stop”. The student parliament urges NMBU and SiÅs to use their property rights over Nedre Pentagonvei. Further, it demands the re-regulation of Vollskogen to an agricultural, nature and outdoor area and stresses the forest’s mental health benefits.
2022
February: Opsahl Bolig propose to build 290 buildings in Vollskogen. A main investor is Jan Herman Dante. Project leader is Kristian Kinn (Ås Avis, 19.02.22). A botanic warns about the negative consequences of turning a svamp like Vollskogen into housing due to its ability to store water and prevent flooding (Ås Avis, 25.02.2022). The “Redd Vollskogen” action group highlights the importance of the forest as a outdoor area, research site, and svamp and propose a compromise (Ås Avis, 27.02.2022).
March: Opsahl Bolig’s proposal is discussed in the municipality. Meanwhile XR Ås demonstrate in front of the town hall and invite politicians to an open meeting in Vollskogen. The municipality decides to further investigate stormwater management in the area and the consequences for neighbouring areas and to stick to 200 homes, as put forth in the municipality’s initial housing plan. Rødt rejects the development of Vollskogen as there are enough new housing projects in Ås. They scrutinize OpsahlÄs greenwashing efforts and dispel any argument suggesting that Vollskogen would not be used and cared for (Ås Avis, 02.03.22).
June: MDG postpone the approval of As Hageby via a minority appeal (As Avis, 24.06.22).
September: Opsahl present an adjusted plan for 200 buildings, referring to this as a “downgrade” and thereby ignoring the municipality’s initial housing program plans. The student parliament rejects the development of Vollskogen and complains about the increased traffic in Nedre Pentagonvei and Meierikrysset, if Opsahl’s plans were to go through (As Avis, 14.09.22). “Adopt a tree” action in Vollskogen (As Avis, 15.09.22). Opsahl’s plan for 200 buildings is put out for consultation.
2023
September: Around 50 students participate in a demonstration and torch parade. Petition to stop the development of Vollskogen directed towards the Main committee for industry and the environment of Ås Kommune reaches <1.000 signatures.
October: Spire Ås organizes a bonfire demonstration in Vollskogen.
December: Among others, SiÅs and NMBU issue legal appeals against the municipality.
2024
February: All legal appeals are denied.
December: Opsahl announces their plan to cut Vollskogen until March 2025.
Let’s see what 2025 brings…