The plans of owner MeyerBergman Erfgoed Groep for the restoration of Soestdijk Palace and the building of a hotel and luxury apartments on the estate have been approved. After years of discussion and protest from local residents, the Baarn city council approved the zoning plan for the 350-year-old estate by a large majority on Wednesday evening. There were fourteen votes in favor and five against. Last September, the council had already approved provisional plans.
The former residence of Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard was owned by the government until five years ago, but was then sold to the MeyerBergman Heritage Group. The project developer can now work out the broad outlines outlined in the zoning plan in detailed plans. “We can now move forward with the much-needed restoration of the palace,” Maya Meijer-Bergmans said to ANP news agency. “Paleis Soestdijk is an iconic place with great cultural-historical and social value for all of us. As owners, we aim for a sustainable future for the estate”.
Also read: Why the renovation of Soestdijk Palace is still on hold
Opponents are mainly concerned about the many events that will be organized on the site and the apartments that will be built, because a lot of nature will be lost as a result. Local residents fear noise pollution and traffic congestion. Now that the city council has approved the plans, protests can only be lodged with the Council of State.
After the council meeting, Mayor Mark Röell said he hoped that the parties involved will remain open to the sounds from society. When the renovation is finished, there will be exhibitions and guided tours in Soestdijk Palace, concerts will be held in the gardens and conferences will be organised.