Dissatisfaction in Nieuw-Balinge about the arrival of a natural cemetery

Both the size of the cemetery and the lack of consultation create chagrin. Bennie Slomp, chairman of Local Interest, says that many villagers are not against the arrival of the nature cemetery itself. “We got into it very positively.”

As good neighbours, Local Interest wanted to start the conversation. The village hall, which runs entirely on volunteers, was made available for an information evening. To the dissatisfaction of Local Interest, this was a walk-in meeting and not a central meeting. The feeling soon arose that the will for good consultation did not come from both sides. “They informed us and thus fulfilled the duty imposed by the municipality. But I don’t think they are really interested in what we think,” says Slomp.

Natuurmonumenten intends to turn agricultural land on the edge of the Mantingerveld into a nature reserve. Part of the plans is a nature cemetery for which a collaboration has been entered into with Natuurbegraven Nederland. Ten percent of the 22 hectare area is used for this purpose. About 5000 people can be buried there.

“People in their 50s, 60s and 70s are now showing interest,” says Slomp. “In about five years, that will mean a funeral twice a day. And that means something for the village. It is not nice if a funeral is going on every time you walk with your dog,” Slomp gives an example of this. the discontent in the village.

“There will also be a funeral procession twice a day. It does not come straight through the village, but from the Hoogeveenseweg onto the Haarweg. We already have a lot of heavy traffic. Agreements have already been made about traffic for the biodigester. The funeral procession and that. type of traffic will soon meet, that will not fit. We have also indicated that they should think more about this.” Slomp does not feel that the input is taken seriously.

Asked about the objections in the village, Erik Menkveld of Natuurmonumenten answered last week that there are people who don’t like it and have questions. According to him, there is also a group of residents who love it ‘and are asking if they can already reserve a spot.’ Slomp thinks it is too positive a picture. He points to a survey that was held among villagers after the central information meeting was not held.

More than 300 New Balingers filled in the questionnaire, two thirds say they are negative about the arrival of the cemetery. The explanation shows that 100 participants find it too large. They also point out that there are already natural cemeteries in the area and that the chosen site is too close to the village. Most respondents also indicate that they do not want to use it .

“Many residents who say they are in favour, do have their answer followed by a ‘but'”, says Slomp. Eleven of the 89 respondents (who do have a positive view of the natural cemetery) reported that the surface area was too large.

Natuurmonumenten does not recognize itself in the criticism and is surprised that the village does not feel heard. “We had a good conversation from the start,” says Menkveld. “A colleague visited all immediate residents, there was an online meeting and a walk-in evening. It was well attended with 70 people, who could ask 1-on-1 questions. An excursion was also offered to the Heidepol nature cemetery near Arnhem, there was no enthusiasm for that.” According to Slomp, this is because people do not want to take a day off for it.

Natuurmonumenten thinks that the nuisance for the village is not too bad. “Those 5000 funerals are spread over forty years, which means two funerals a week. There are not that many movements, of course relatives will also come later. But it is also an area for walking and where people can enjoy nature.” Menkveld says. Due to the construction of parking spaces and diversion lanes, he does not see any traffic problems.

According to Menkveld, as a result of the talks with villagers, the plans are still being tinkered with. “Some think 5000 is a lot, that is possible. But it is clear from the start that that is fixed, otherwise it cannot be done. 500, as desired by some, is not possible,” he says. Menkveld hopes that the talks with Local Interest will be continued, also because more changes in the area are planned in the future.

“We cannot please everyone. There is a social demand for natural burial and we offer that. Perhaps some of the people thought they could contribute to the decision, but that is not the case. We do what is possible within the permits, but would like to keep in touch,” says Menkveld.

Natuurmonumenten and Natuurbegraven Netherlands simply submit plans to the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, residents can then respond. “Those views will come”, Slomp looks ahead. “I am firmly convinced that something will then be done by the municipality.”