In order to legalize homes in the Norger Oosterduinen after years of toleration, a ‘target image’ must be established this month by the Noordenveld municipal council. In the forest – despite years of planning – not everyone is on the same page and special attention is paid to the next council meeting.
“There are many flavors to choose from,” emphasized councilor Robert Meijer (VVD). Following in the footsteps of councilor Henk Kosters, who retired from politics in 2022, he is now dealing with the ‘Oosterduinen issue’. An extensive issue, with more than 400 homes and therefore hundreds of homeowners.
A large part of them wants permanent living in the forest to finally be legalized, while there is also a part that wants to keep it as a recreational destination. “They should also be given that opportunity,” says Meijer.
The municipality thinks it can do justice to as many homeowners as possible in the Oosterduinen (northeast of Norg) by opting for a variant in which homeowners who want a permanent residential destination can apply for a permit themselves. “Only then must the requirements set for living in a holiday home be met,” the proposal reads.
The municipality feels supported by ‘the Forest Club’: a group of forest residents who wrote out a survey and received responses from 70 owners.
But 70 owners in a forest with more than 400 homes do not represent half of the homeowners. Some do not feel represented and are raising the alarm. They think there is a much simpler way to arrive at a plan that is supported.
Opinions on the target plan argue for a ‘dual function’. For just a few tens of euros per home, all owners in the forest would have both a residential and recreational function. For owners, they say, this would be a lot cheaper than applying for a residential destination via a permit. In addition, many recreational homes would meet the requirements for residential use with just a few minor adjustments.
“I wonder whether the costs for the permit application are higher than those for a dual function,” says councilor Meijer. He believes it is essential that the proposed plan is chosen, because only then is a ‘quality improvement of the forest’ possible.
“If you put a double function on it, you have no control over what happens in the forest,” he continues. He points out the felling of trees and the installation of plants that do not belong in the forest. “With individual permit applications you have more insight into this.”
Opponents of those plans see the plea for individual permit applications as a cash cow for the municipality. The costs for changing a destination are borne by the owners.
Remarkable, say several residents. Especially since the municipality is still considering an ‘equalization’. “That is to compensate for the loss of recreational space,” says Meijer. In other words: because holiday homes (which in practice have been permanently occupied for years) will soon be given a different purpose, the municipality will miss out on income from tourist tax, among other things. In the meantime, the land on the plots becomes more valuable. The municipality wants compensation for this.
The amount of that equalization is still unknown. But Alderman Meijer confirms that it will certainly amount to thousands of euros. Residents find this incomprehensible. “We have been paying all costs to the municipality for years that other residents of Norg also pay,” says one of them. “Sewer tax, property tax, you name it. Why do we still have to pay such an amount?”
Moreover, says this resident, this equalization brings with it another problem. “Housing landlords will pass this on to their tenants. This may never be more than a few percent, but many tenants are already close to the rental subsidy limit. If they exceed 808 euros per month, the rental subsidy will expire and they will not be able to afford it. pay more. I estimate that about twenty tenants will have to look elsewhere.”
Councilor Meijer insists that tenants have certain rights so that they are not suddenly confronted with a significant increase. “But also realize: you are not actually allowed to live there now. So yes, money has to be paid to realize this. That is beyond dispute.”
If the plans continue as they are now, the substantive ‘transformation plan’ will be developed. “You can see the current target image as pouring the concrete. The transformation plan is hardening it,” says Meijer.
Anyone who continues to live in the forest but does not commit to the municipality’s plan can count on enforcement. “Then we will have to,” says Meijer. “I will therefore ask the council to make a budget available for this.”
But we are not there yet. First the council will consider the long-awaited plan for the Oosterduinen. Wednesday’s meeting at Raadhuisstraat in Roden will be followed with suspicion.