21 Municipalities Challenge DOC Ochtrup Expansion Plans
Twenty-one municipalities and three districts in the region have united to challenge the expansion plans of DOC Ochtrup. The local authorities, including Nordhorn's mayor, Thomas Berling, argue that the project threatens the balance of city centers and local cores, which are already facing pressures from online retail. They plan to defend their position in court.
The expansion project, approved by the regional government and the district of Steinfurt, aims to increase the sales area from 11,500 to over 19,000 m2. However, the municipalities criticize the impact assessment, claiming it underestimates the project's effects and fails to adequately consider the growth of online retail. They also argue that the assessment does not sufficiently address the sales economic impacts and urban planning consequences for city centers and local centers.
The municipalities plan to file a norm control application against the building plan and an appeal against the building permit. They aim to protect the supply structure and prevent disruption to the balance of city centers. The expansion project is seen as an attack on all city centers and local cores facing challenges from online retail.
The affected municipalities and districts have agreed to defend themselves against the expansion project in court. They criticize the impact assessment and argue that the project threatens the balance of city centers and local cores. The legal battle is set to determine the fate of the DOC Ochtrup expansion.
