The much-discussed and controversial construction plan to place dozens of flexible homes on the Kleingouw in Andijk has been approved. After careful investigation, the municipality of Medemblik sees no obstacles and the permit is still granted. The houses may remain there for ten years.
Housing association Het Grootslag submitted a permit application in May to accommodate house seekers from the region in the short term. The door Clean2Anywhere built flex housing must contribute to the housing shortage in the municipality. This concerns, for example, emergency seekers, young people and people who are divorced.
A hedge as a buffer
From day one there has been a lot of commotion about the construction plan. The chosen location has been criticized by both local politicians and the Village Council. The plot is located within the spray zone of an adjacent broccoli grower. Because out various studies shows that there is a link between agricultural poison and Parkinson’s disease, they are concerned about the health of the future residents.
The municipality of Medemblik has now announced that Het Grootslag is taking ‘mitigating measures’. For example, a hedge is placed that acts as a buffer between the agricultural area and the flexible housing. “In the opinion of the municipality, this solution creates an acceptable living situation,” said a spokesperson.
Additional parking spaces
Local residents are also divided about the arrival of flexible housing. After an information meeting in March the opinions were collected, the construction plan was simplified. Remarkably, there is little need to compromise on the number of flexible homes. There will be 28 flex homes on the site, where 31 were previously registered. “So that there is more space for the flexible housing and parking. There will also be bicycle sheds between the houses and a hedge will be placed that provides sufficient privacy.” It was also decided to create additional parking spaces for cars.