The College of Mayor and Aldermen of the municipality of Emmen wants to buy a few big rags south of the Delftlanden. The purchase is intended to further develop the youngest neighborhood of Emmen. Alderman Jan Bos (Wakker Emmen) thinks that the location offers space for around a thousand homes.
In that light it is as if history is repeating itself. Land that were divested years ago due to a faltering housing market may now be purchased again (see box). It concerns 86 hectares of land that is located between the southern edge of the Delftlanden (Oude Delft) and the Emmen-Zwolle railway line. The Emmen already owns 15 hectares within this plan area.
According to Alderman Bos, landowners have approached the municipality that they may be selling their agricultural land and that they are in conversation with a group of sixteen developers. With the purchase and development, the neighborhood would become as large in one fell swoop.
The municipality subsequently established pre -emptive rights on the plots in question. This right means that the municipality receives the first right of purchase on the grounds. Without the municipality could never get hold of the location. In addition, fragmentation and price increase are prevented, according to Bos.
Given the assignment that is there, it is now being proposed to start this heavy agent. “The landowners can sell the land to someone else, but not below the price we offer,” the alderman explains.
From the council the step was both praised and critically examined. Wim Moinat (SP) welcomed the step. “Land speculation is prevented and it offers buyers a fair chance of a house.” According to Marc de Jonge (D66), this is the only serious option to add a significant number of homes to the Emmer housing stock.
Arno de Vries (PvdA) believes that the public interest here is put above the individual interest of the landowners. “The municipality wants to take control here and that is allowed as far as we are.” It must be prevented that only expensive homes will be placed. “A third must be affordable homes or social housing.”
Councilor and former alderman René van der Weide (Wakker Emmen) was not undivided and some critical notes cracked in the intention of the college. Does the municipality not sort too much on an expected growth, “he wondered.” And from which financial picture and what risks are there? We can leave this to the market, including a few frameworks. “In that case the municipality runs less risk, says Van der Weide.
According to Bos, the use of the pre -emptive right has been a must. “There was already a price increase from the moment the plots were offered. We want to prevent us from having to develop expensive. With regard to the cost, Bos holds the cards against the chest.
Bos: “They are agricultural grounds, so we also think of prices in that category.” The municipality would not necessarily have to hold all the plots. “As long as it’s enough to be able to control that area.”
The city council will decide later this month on the application of the pre -emptive right. At the Groen Licht, the College and guess are considering the purchase.