Lommel (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Groep Oostappen runs Parelstrand holiday park in Lommel, Belgium. They were declared in default for not getting a new permit after housing 750 asylum seekers for three years, as required by law.
The issue involves Groep Oostappen, the company that runs the Parelstrand holiday park. Karel Wieers, the alderman for Tourism and Legal Affairs, stated that the operator was officially declared in default a few months ago because it did not follow current laws. The park had been used to house asylum seekers for three years, which required a new operational permit according to local rules.
What happens next for Groep Oostappen after Parelstrand’s permit default?
According to the law, when the use of a site changes, especially for something important like housing asylum seekers, the operator must apply for a new permit from the city council. In this case, Groep Oostappen did not do this. As a result, the city council had to step in and issue a formal notice, putting the operator in default. This legal action is taken when someone does not meet their obligations. The city wants Groep Oostappen to either apply for the necessary permits or face more legal issues.
Groep Oostappen told the city council through their lawyer that they don’t agree with the city’s claims and think they don’t need a new permit. Alderman Wieers said their argument is unclear and that experts say they are wrong. He also mentioned that the city informed Fedasil about the situation but didn’t get a response. Wieers is surprised and believes that Oostappen should apply for the permit, as government agencies need to work with operators who have all the right permits. Now it looks like they don’t have those permits, and they are aware of it.
If Groep Oostappen applies for a new permit, it will be different from the one they have now. Alderman Wieers mentioned they want to reduce the number of residents from 750 to less than half because the city can’t manage that many people. The city will remind the holiday park operator that a new permit is necessary, and if they don’t apply for it, they might have to close Parelstrand. While closure is not the goal, having the right permits is essential, and the city will continue to work on reducing the number of asylum seekers.
