DOC Ochtrup Expansion Sparks Legal Battle Over Regional Compatibility
The expansion plans of DOC Ochtrup have sparked controversy, with 21 municipalities and 3 districts opposing the project due to regional incompatibility. The regional government has approved the expansion, but the surrounding areas plan legal challenges.
The expansion aims to increase the sales area from 11,500 to over 19,000 m2. Nordhorn's mayor, Thomas Berling, has expressed concern about protecting the city center and maintaining the regional supply structure. Critics argue that the impact assessment underestimates the project's effects and insufficiently addresses online retail's influence.
The regional government and Kreis Steinfurt have approved the expansion, but the surrounding municipalities will file norm control applications and appeals against the building plan and permit. The project is criticized for threatening all city centers and local cores facing challenges like online retail. Ochtrup, as a smaller medium-sized center, will exceed its supply mandate with the expanded DOC. The affected areas plan to challenge the project in court, with local citizens' initiatives and property owners submitting norm control applications and appeals.
Despite regional government approval, the expansion of DOC Ochtrup faces strong opposition from surrounding municipalities and districts. They plan to defend themselves together against the project, with legal challenges pending. The expansion's impact on local city centers and the regional supply structure remains a contentious issue.
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