The forest number one. Everyone agrees on this in the Oosterduinen in Norg. But legal permanent living in this recreational area still seems far away.
The De Oosterduinen recreational and nature reserve near Norg has approximately 430 homes, approximately half of which are used as a second home or recreational home, but the other half have been lived in permanently for a long time. This is currently not officially allowed and the municipality has been working for years to legalize that situation.
But that turns out not to be easy. The city council met on Wednesday evening with a full and enthusiastic gallery in the background about the new target image for De Oosterduinen. Nothing has been laid down yet, but basic principles have been drawn up: the forest is central and living and recreation may not disturb the flora and fauna in De Oosterduinen.
Fear of unreasonably high costs
That is why, according to the municipality of Noordenveld, it is the intention that De Oosterduinen as a whole remains a recreational area. If owners want to live here permanently, they can – if it is up to the mayor and aldermen – apply for a permit.
The conditions under which such a permit can be granted are not yet clear. Yet this point is sensitive: some residents are afraid that they will incur high costs in the future if they have to apply for a permit to live in the area.
Possible equalization costs play a role in this: because holiday homes are given a different destination, the municipality loses out on income from tourist tax, for example. The land is also becoming more valuable and the municipality wants compensation for this.
Some residents do not feel heard
In addition, residents, homeowners and tenants are represented within various clubs, not all of which seem to be on good terms with each other. This also became apparent when several Oosterduiners were interviewed. While the board of the Oosterduinen Homeowners Association is positive about the target image, some residents have a completely different opinion. They do not feel well represented and not heard by the municipality.
“It might be an idea to set up a new steering group, with members from all interest groups,” said councilor Armein Sikkenga (Municipal Interests). “If that happens, we call on all those involved to think constructively about it.” According to him and many other council members, the target image offers enough starting points to move forward.
‘Take the next step’
“Also because there seem to be more contradictions tonight than is actually the case,” said Bertus Jan Epema of PvdA/GroenLinks. “We advise all those involved who still seem to be against it, to take the next step. And that next step will also be a broad participation process in which the real details are formed. Only then will the agreements be recorded.”
If the municipal council approves the target image for De Oosterduinen next week, the plans for the area will be further developed and agreements with homeowners about the conditions for permanent living will be recorded.