There is tension, but also relief. “A victory that gives courage to the citizen,” is how Esther Limonard of the DURF association (De Ursemmerhof Recreational Family) calls the subdistrict court’s ruling on Monday. The almost one hundred recreationists who are members of the association do not have to vacate their pitch at the Ursemmerhof recreation park in Ursem for the time being. This does not apply to about thirty others, they must leave within five days.
The recreationists of Ursemmerhof have been involved in a conflict for years legal battle with the owner, who has plans to convert the campsite into a luxury chalet park. That is why the rent of the current holidaymakers, who have often been at the campsite for decades, was terminated. “We fight for justice and will not be sent away,” said Esther Limonard of DURF.
The recreationalists refuse to leave and therefore went to court. The recreationists were wrong, so they subsequently appealed. The owner of the recreation park did not want to wait for the appeal. He initiated summary proceedings and demanded that the recreationists still leave the park. “But the subdistrict court judge sees no urgent interest and that means that we can stay for the time being. That is very good news,” says Esther Limonard.
Statement does not apply to all recreationists
According to the judge, the owner’s plans to convert the park into a luxury chalet park are not concrete enough to send the holidaymakers away. Although the owner says he is in discussions with new investors who want to finance the plan, there is no purchase agreement. There are no permits required to get started. There is also a creditor who has seized the site, which is preventing the sale of the recreational park.