The municipality of Valkenswaard was very clear: construction was allowed on the former site of the shoe factory ‘De Komeet’, but the facade of the business premises of the former factory had to remain intact. Yet this facade is now largely in ruins. Demolition has been halted. And the councilor is furious.
Apartments and houses are now being built on the site of the former shoe factory. A permit has also been granted for this, with the express exception of the facade of the now almost completely demolished business premises. The white building dates from 1911. “This is a building with cultural-historical value,” says a municipal spokesperson. “The entire facade had to remain standing. This was also clearly communicated with the permit holder.”
Incomprehensible
The municipality of Valkenswaard does not know how it could have gone wrong. Councilor Bram Bots, who has Monuments and Heritage in his portfolio, is very angry. The demolition and construction of the building is now on hold for an indefinite period.
The councilor will quickly enter into discussions with the project developer. “As a municipality, our goal is to protect and preserve our cultural heritage. And we make clear and good agreements about this. Then this cannot and should not happen,” says the spokesperson.
To recover
If the permit holder does start building or demolishing, the company risks a fine. The amount of this fine is 10,000 euros. “In addition, the project developer must come up with an action plan that explains how the entire facade with the function designation ‘cultural-historical value’ will be restored.”