rssSep 18, 2026, 10:00

Judge: new owner of Vogelenzang family campsite may hear witnesses

The municipality of Bloemendaal lost an appeal in a dispute over the stalled development of 350 chalets at the former Vogelenzang campsite. A court ruled that the owner, MarinaParken, may call witnesses to testify about alleged administrative delays, a move that could precede a large financial claim against the local government.

The municipality of Bloemendaal has lost an appeal regarding the redevelopment of the former Vogelenzang family campsite. The court ruled that site owner MarinaParken is entitled to hold a witness hearing to investigate allegations of deliberate administrative delays concerning the proposed construction of 350 chalets. The project has faced significant hurdles, including provincial directives to halt construction due to zoning violations, as the proposed 21,000 square meters of development far exceeds the permitted limit of 1,600 square meters.

MarinaParken intends to question several former and current municipal officials, including the mayor and a councilor, to support a potential multi-million euro claim against the municipality. The company asserts that the ongoing uncertainty and lack of permits have caused substantial financial losses, noting that many units have already been sold. While the specific date for the hearing at the Haarlem court remains to be set, the municipality has been ordered to pay over 5,000 euros in legal costs for the failed appeal.

Politics Economy Business Haarlem Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

Since the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act in 2024, over 76,000 rental homes have been sold off by landlords across the Netherlands, tightening housing supply. Rental prices are simultaneously rising faster than inflation, with Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Haarlem remaining among the most expensive areas for tenants.

Trade with Russia remains lucrative, but companies face risks

Despite 21 rounds of European Union sanctions against Russia, some businesses continue to profit by using third-party countries to bypass export restrictions. Experts warn that while such trade is lucrative, it carries significant legal risks, including criminal prosecution and prison time for those who intentionally circumvent these measures.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.