Is Mayor Richard Korteland hiding behind regulations, or are conservationists directing their anger at the wrong government? In Meppel there was a lot of discussion about a party that took place on King’s Day. Conservationists believe that the permit for a festival should not have been granted, the mayor is not aware of any harm. A decision from the advisory committee will follow shortly, which may have consequences for future event permits in Meppel.
In the warm evening sun, the delegates on behalf of Mayor Korteland cozy up next to the people of the Meppel Nature Conservation Watch. They have the most fun. “We know each other’s points of view very well,” it sounds with a friendly laugh. Just before that, things got louder in the council chamber. The parties are not on the same page at all and the Nature Conservancy even dares to use harsh words.
The reason for the discussion is a King’s Day festival in the Slotplantsoen. That is a park on the edge of the center of Meppel. The Nature Conservancy calls it a vulnerable place in terms of grass, plants and trees. But the foundation is mainly concerned with bats. There are several empty buildings in the park. These will soon make way for new apartments. Nest boxes have been placed in the Slotplantsoen to ensure a smooth construction. They should lure animals away from the buildings, so that they can be demolished without any (nature) objection.
The nature conservationists of Meppel find it strange that Korteland approves a festival in this park. “Housing people, a few meters under protected animals is madness,” says Geert Starre of the Nature Conservation Watch. “The municipality has devised the bat boxes in the park itself. But now that events are involved, the presence of those animals is forgotten for a while. Doesn’t Meppel want to look at the problems?”
Mayor Korteland was not present himself, but legal spokesmen said on his behalf that the nature problems had not been looked after. “If someone applies for an event permit, the mayor looks at various criteria. Flora and fauna is not a reason for refusal of the permit. In addition, this fits in with the zoning plan for the center. When it comes to nature, the Nature Conservation Watch must be with the province. .”
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