Henk Klaver, creator and driving force behind the plan for a truckers hotel with a McDonald’s along the A37 near Klazienaveen, understands little of the concerns that the village council EOP Klazienaveen has expressed about the chosen location. According to Klaver, the plan complies with all rules and procedures and he questions the argument that there will soon be increased traffic pressure.
We have now simply submitted a permit application within all applicable rules and agreements,” says Klaver, who is developing the project with others under the banner of Cargotel. “It is now with the municipality. I can’t really say more about that.”
The village council of Klazienaveen recently submitted a statement in which it fears extra traffic and dangerous situations around the A37. According to Jan Twickler of EOP Klazienaveen, the village council is not against the arrival of a hotel and dining facility, but is against the chosen location. “We applaud the initiative itself, just like a truckers’ hotel. But people must realize what exactly they are saying yes to.”
The concerns of EOP Klazienaveen focus mainly on the access point where the N862 (Emmen-Klazienaveen road) and the A37 intersect. The section between the roundabouts (which are located on both sides of this grade-separated intersection) is already very busy, according to Twickler.
“All traffic has to pass there,” says Twickler. “There are homes and businesses there right near one of those roundabouts.” And they will soon be confronted with more traffic, expects EOP Klazienaveen.
EOP Klazienaveen has been pointing to an alternative location on the other side of the road, near the entrance to the A37 towards Hoogeveen. “That seems like a much more logical place to us,” said Twickler. “There is more space there and traffic can be handled better.”
According to him, the land is owned by the municipality and is of a comparable size. It is still close to the A37 and is easily accessible for freight traffic. We have taken this position from the beginning and have always expressed it to the municipality and developers.”
Klaver calls the criticism unjustified. “With all due respect, they have not really delved into the file. There is no obstacle to building a McDonald’s here. The municipality has always wanted and wanted this.”
According to Klaver, this is not a new or sudden initiative. “This plan has been going on for years. If people have difficulty with this, they should report to the municipality. It has always fully supported this.”
The current permit application only relates to the construction of the McDonald’s, but Klaver emphasizes that this is part of a broader development. “It is a total development with a trucker hotel and leisure facilities. Truck drivers will soon be able to stop safely and then get back on the road rested. And yes, that also includes a McDonald’s.”
According to Klaver, the permit application for the truckers hotel itself is expected soon. “It’s not there yet, but it’s coming.” He does not want to commit himself to the planning for construction.
Initially, he hoped for construction to start in the first half of 2025. “In the Netherlands I have learned not to make statements about that anymore. That depends on the municipality and the official handling.”
Klaver calls the fear of traffic nuisance exaggerated. “Take a look at other McDonald’s locations in the Netherlands, or for example in Emmen. It is located next to a residential area. There has never been a single complaint about the traffic there.”
The village council’s views were submitted to the municipality of Emmen before New Year’s Eve. The formal permit application is now for assessment by the council. Only after a decision has been made can formal objections be submitted.
Previous provincial research shows that the current location is suitable, because the zoning plan already provides space for catering and a trucker hotel, the municipality said. “The alternative location mentioned by the EOP does not currently fit in. We are aware of the traffic pressure in that area and programs such as the widening of the N862 are currently underway to partially remove that pressure,” said a spokesperson.
The land at the current location has not yet been definitively sold, but has been reserved for the intended development.