“If fireworks shows are also a desirable part of the Dutch concept, then their environmental effects must be mapped out,” says the Commission for the Environmental Impact Assessment. “When it comes to larger shows that also take place after sunset, this can lead to (serious) light pollution for local residents, effects on road safety and possibly even on air traffic.”
Finally, the committee advises that when deciding on a theme park, you should also consider how the park can develop in the future. “Managing traffic will be a major challenge with the currently planned 800,000 visitors.” The park will be located in an area right next to the A32 and the provincial N371 towards Havelte. Residents there see that traffic during rush hour is already a problem.
The committee agrees. “The current connection of the N371 to the A32 and the connecting road sections already leave much to be desired and will constitute an obstacle in both a business park and theme park scenario. In addition, especially in the theme park scenario, the size, organization and spatial integration of parking will will be difficult challenges. The nearby railway line and the bridge over the Drentse Hoofdvaart create additional complexity.”
The city council will meet next week to discuss developments in the area. A vote will therefore be taken on whether the municipality may conduct further research into the possibilities for the theme park. No vote has yet been taken on whether or not the theme park will be built. The committee ultimately advises the council to set a “ceiling” for the park’s expansion options.
Initially, a theme park of sixty hectares is expected, but this could possibly grow to 115 hectares over the years. This expansion will include an evening show and overnight accommodation options. These are not yet part of environmental studies. The committee: “It is advisable to gain insight into whether and at what point certain preconditions form bottlenecks for further growth.”