Nordhorn voices criticism towards DOC Ochtrup in a public statement
In a united front, several municipalities and districts in the catchment area have expressed criticism towards the urban planning consequences of the proposed expansion of the DOC in Ochtrup. The cities of Nordhorn and Gronau, along with Wettringen, have decided to take legal action against the expansion, due to concerns about its regional compatibility and potential impact on city centers and town centers.
The expansion plans, which aim to increase the sales area from 11,500 to over 19,000 m², have been met with opposition from 21 municipalities and 3 districts. The concerns include the project's underestimation of the impacts of the DOC and the current and future development of online trading, as well as the insufficient assessment of the sales economic effects.
The regional exchange has agreed that the expansion project poses a threat to city centers and town centers, which are already struggling with the challenges posed by online trading. The city of Gronau had previously filed a lawsuit against the building permit of DOC Ochtrup with the Administrative Court of Münster.
After a thorough review, the city of Nordhorn filed a lawsuit yesterday against the expansion of DOC Ochtrup. The city of Ochtrup, with the expanded DOC, significantly exceeds its medium-sized supply mandate, which is criticized as a disadvantage for the region.
The surrounding municipalities have coordinated the details for the legal proceedings against the expansion of DOC Ochtrup. The municipalities are planning to file a norm control application against the building plan and an appeal against the building permit for the DOC expansion.
The impact assessment prepared for the expansion project did not adequately take into account the current and future development of online trading, leading to further criticism. The municipalities are in the process of discussing and preparing for the legal processes involved in challenging the expansion.
The cities of Nordhorn, Gronau, and Wettringen, along with the supporting municipalities and districts, are determined to ensure that the urban planning decisions made in their region are in the best interest of their communities and the region as a whole. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for future urban development projects in similar situations.
