The local government has stopped the construction of greenhouses on WUR's farmland. These tunnel-shaped greenhouses are each 6 by 10 meters and 3 meters high. WUR began the construction a few weeks back without obtaining the required permit, which violated regulations.
After receiving a complaint, the local government intervened, halting the construction and fining WUR 10,000 euros for the violation. One of the complainants is an organization called Mooi Wageningen, which aims to protect nature and open spaces around the city. Although the greenhouses that were already built will remain for now, no more building is allowed.
© Herman Stover/DG
Jasper Lamers, a board member of Mooi Wageningen, expressed concerns about the impact of the greenhouses. He mentioned that animals like partridges and small owls, which prefer open fields, are negatively affected. These animals are already declining and could lose their habitat if greenhouses are built.
Mooi Wageningen states that the site should remain open, as municipal plans prohibit greenhouse construction there to preserve the landscape and its wildlife. According to the municipal Biodiversity plan, the fields are crucial habitats for partridges and little owls.
WUR spokesperson Vincent Koperdraat admitted that there was some confusion regarding the proper procedure. The university thought the permit process would be quick since the project is temporary, lasting only one year. As soon as they realized construction began prematurely, they stopped all work.
WUR contests that the project conflicts with the Biodiversity plan. Koperdraat emphasized that they take this plan seriously. If the permit is denied, the greenhouses must be dismantled. Whether the project will proceed as intended depends on the municipality's decision. Meanwhile, the existing greenhouses can stay.
Source: Resource Online