A plan for 34 homes along the south and east sides of the former De Boer sand hole near Emmerschans. That is the commitment of project developer Knarphoorn for the old extraction location. In a former De Boer business premises, right next to the lake, local residents were able to get an impression of the plan during an information evening.
Zandgat De Boer was purchased by project developer Knarphoorn in 2019 with the initial idea of building around 150 homes around the lake. A quantity that both the province and the municipality had difficulty with. Both authorities thought that around 30 homes were more than enough.
The developer then adjusted the plans and a further elaboration was presented on Monday evening. More than a hundred immediate residents from Emmerhoutstraat and the northern edge of the adjacent Emmerschans district were invited.
Knarphoorn’s plan includes housing on both the southern and eastern edges of the lake. The north side, where the now monumental landscape artwork Broken Circle/Spiral Hill is located, remains undeveloped. There will be a row of about twelve houses along Emmerhoutstraat; behind that another thirteen. Nine homes are planned on the south bank.
According to Koen Warners of Knarphoorn, in these last two places the houses will be sunk and somewhat hidden in the slope, so that they blend into the landscape around the former sand hole. The area must also be provided with extra greenery, including heather and juniper bushes.
The access will be on Emmerhoutstraat, on the site of the former De Boer office building. Residents largely park at their homes, although a small general parking lot near the south bank is not excluded.
Warners cannot yet say anything about the prices, but that the homes are in the higher segment. Both plot sales and complete project development are possible.
In the coming months, the developer will be working on the urban design and planning procedures. These are expected to run from December to the end of next year. At the earliest, the shovel can be broken into the ground six months later.
According to Warners, the iconic land art work Broken Circle & Spiral Hill does not pose an obstacle to the construction plans. In fact, the work of art will eventually be transferred to a museum. According to Warners, discussions are already underway with a party, but he does not want to say with whom yet.
Warners: “The site was always closed during the sand extraction. Soon, walkers and families will be able to go to the work of art,” says Warners. Consideration is being given to an entrance building with a viewpoint, new walking paths, steep edges and viewpoints around the lake.
The southwest corner of the site is owned by Knarphoorn, but there are no concrete plans for this yet. “Whether that will happen, I cannot make any statements about that yet,” said Warners.
There were positive reactions among residents who attended the meeting on Sunday. But there were also concerns. Residents fear that the lake will soon be used for swimming or other recreation. According to Knarphoorn, that is not the intention, because of the dangerous depths. There will be no beaches. Yet one resident fears: “People are going to take a dip after all. How do you maintain that?”
Residents on the northern edge of Emmerschans fear loss of privacy if the forest edge is damaged. Knarphoorn says that this will be strengthened with new plantings, but that does not reassure everyone. “These are young trees, they will only be of use to you in thirty years,” he says. Anje Tolk adds: “I don’t want a house in my backyard. It is now beautifully quiet, in the middle of nature. I am against this plan.”
Nature is also a concern for local residents. The area is now a quiet place for geese and kingfishers, among other things. Residents fear that these animals will disappear as soon as there is more activity.
Yet there was also appreciation. Jan Frieswijk, a recent resident of Emmerschans, said: “If I had known this earlier, I might have wanted to live here. I just came too early.”