Ines Eberl, Villa Trapp Neighbour, said, "There are lots of houses where Nazis used to live. But we are not talking about the house of a "normal" Nazi but from Hitler's second in command. Also if you see the wall that surrounds the house, Hitler built it. He used to walk around the old trees. I think that is disgusting because he saved the old trees but he murdered six million people. And I think is a question of respect towards the victims not to make a tourist attraction there."

But fans of the musical are eager to see the villa open.

Janice Barnett, tourist from Britain, said, "I think they should get some perspective. People come to Salzburg because they love 'The Sound of Music'. That's why my mother came and that's why I am here as well. People want to see something that is authentic. Where the von Trapps lived. They want to experience part of that. You can find sinister things to say about most places and big cities and everything. That's not the reason why people would come there. It seems a shame that the hotel has been set up and now they are told no. I think is a shame."

The city's urban planning committee refused this month to allow the hotel to open. The would-be hoteliers plan to appeal the decision and hope that the hills will be alive with the sound of tourist buses before too long.

(CCTV December 31, 2008)