Unrest in the usually picturesque Oisterwijk forests: according to a real estate developer, a McDonald’s with drive-through would not be out of place right along the Natura 2000 area of the Kampina. Neighbors are angry and worried, according to them ‘green must remain green’ and a fast food restaurant only ‘brings pollution’. A petition against this plan is signed en masse.
Previously, there was a catering facility on the site on the Oisterwijkse Vennelaan where you could also play mini golf (Piet Plezier). The site has been dilapidated in recent years.
A perfect place for one or perhaps even two fast food restaurants, thought real estate developer Klop Beheer. In September the company bought the site for more than 4 million euros. But not everyone is enthusiastic about these new plans.
Big concerns
Oisterwijk residents in the area are very concerned about the effects that the arrival of fast food chains has on nature. Local entrepreneurs and residents also believe that such a chain does not fit in a relaxing nature reserve, where health and tranquility should be central.
That is why Bas Zijlmans started a petition. He enjoys walking in the nature reserve and is concerned about, among other things, the litter that the arrival of a McDonald’s could generate. “The developer wants to place a McDonalds there. That would mean that the entire nature reserve will die from the junk!” he writes on his petition page. “Just thinking of something like that is disrespectful to nature.”
5000 signatures
Bas’ website suggests that the plans for McDonald’s have already been finalized, but that is not the case. The project is in the research phase and is also investigating other options, such as housing. The zoning plan would then have to be changed, a complicated process, especially because the plot borders a Natura 2000 area and may therefore have to deal with the necessary nitrogen measures. An obstacle that applies to both the fast food plans and possible housing construction.
By Sunday afternoon, there were already more than 5,000 signatures on Zijlmans’ petition. He wants to present the petition to the municipality after the holidays.