The PvdA in Aa en Hunze is not confident about the use of pesticides on a potato field near a new school building in Eexterveen.
The new location of primary school De Kameleon on the current sports field is just outside the spraying zone of a farm, but the PvdA is concerned about the effects of the chemical agents.
Despite those concerns, council member Henk Santes of the workers’ party is realistic about the spray zone. Legally speaking, there is sufficient space between the field and the new school with 15 meters.
During the council meeting about the zoning plan for the new school, Santes says he has discussed the matter with the school director. According to the PvdA member, the director is aware of the situation “But law is law, rule is rule”, Santes was told.
Only rules and laws can change, Santes explains by means of an example. “We have windmills 450 meters away from homes. In the meantime, the social debate is leading to greater distances between windmills and homes.” This could also be the case with spray zones, Santes suggests.
Realism about the current legislation eventually prevails. The PvdA receives some support from GroenLinks, but like all other parties, they ultimately agree with the location of the new school building.
Despite the concerns, the PvdA thinks that the proximity of the potato field can also be positive. “Can we give the farmer a role to explain to children which way the potatoes take until they end up on a plate? A win-win situation.”
A sympathetic idea, according to the other parties. Although councilor Henriette Rossingh of the VVD thinks that is not a task for the municipality. “Let the school principal and the farmer discuss this as neighbours.”