Hoogeveen will investigate 32 trees along the Coevorderstraatweg near Noordscheschut for possible felling. Initially, the municipality was going to examine three, but after political interference, that number was significantly increased.
Residents have been complaining about road safety along the road for some time. People are driving too fast and a row of trees blocks the view of turning onto the road safely. After conducting their own research, they state that 32 trees cause problems.
Hoogeveen also conducted research itself, but stated that three trees may be eligible for felling. The CDA, Forum for Democracy, Municipal Interests and the SGP offered the residents a helping hand.
During the council meeting on Thursday evening, they submitted a request to the municipal council to investigate all 32 trees. Together the parties had enough votes to achieve this.
Councilor Ronald Klok (VVD) announced that such an investigation can be done. That does not mean that all trees are cut down. After several studies next year, it should become clear whether they will be put on a cutting list, or not at all.
Klok stated during an earlier meeting that cutting down a large number of trees does not seem feasible. “If a long-eared bat is found during the research, then the felling of just one tree is unlikely.”
The proponents of logging therefore believe that the municipality should do everything it can to make logging possible. For example, they ask for bat boxes to be built or to look for alternative habitats for the animals.
Trees that are cut down often have to be planted in another location. The factions also want replanting to take place at the same time if the trees are cut down. Precisely to make everything go faster.
It previously became clear that the entire research should cost between 10,000 euros and 30,000 euros.
The Christian Union, D66, GroenLinks, PvdA and the VVD do not like expanding to 32 trees at all. “During an earlier meeting, the councilor already made it clear that legal problems could arise. We are therefore voting against,” said D66 member Johannes Prakken.
Koen Meesters of the Christian Union responded to the words of Alderman Klok. “It has been indicated that cutting down 32 trees is not realistic. Should we declare that money?” The PvdA and the VVD also agreed with those words.