Protests against sand extraction off the Frisian IJsselmeer coast have been mounting in recent weeks and have now even lead to questions in Parliament by D66 and GroenLinks. Because of these questions, the municipality of Gaasterlân has postponed their decision about a change in local development plans; the only thing still standing in the way of the plans.
Sand extraction company Royal Smals has been planning a sand extraction facility off the Frisian IJsselmeer coast for about ten years. Over the years it has acquired all necessary permits, but there is still one hurdle to take: the local council has to agree to a change in development plans for the area. Because all permits are already in place, the council fears that a negative decision will lead to large financial claims by Royal Smals.
Members of Parliament for D66 and GroenLinks have now asked the Cabinet to present an overview of all steps that were taken leading up to the approval of Royal Smals’ plans. In their parliamentary motion they also urge the government and Royal Smals to make sure the surrounding Natura 2000-gebieden, protected nature reserves that form an important foraging area for endangered bird species, will not be disturbed.
The local council of Gaasterlân has decided to postpone it’s decision until the questions in Parliament have been answered.
