Groningen wants to offer city nomads a place in the countryside near Ten Boer, but the province may be obstructive

The campsite, which is empty, is considered suitable as a (temporary) place for alternative housing. The City Nomads have to leave Betonbos in Groningen due to the construction of the new Stadshavens district. The group of approximately twenty-five people, who hoped for a permanent place for their alternative form of living, is diligently looking for a suitable location.

Time is running out. If the municipal council soon gives the definitive green light for City Ports, the City Nomads will have to leave their green living space in the foreseeable future. If they don’t, they run the risk of being evicted. The municipality of Groningen has therefore focused on De Banjer. The municipality bought the leafy site and is investigating whether the 1.1 hectare area can be used for residential purposes.

The camping site on the Damsterdiep-Zuidzijde, which is officially part of Ten Post, has been owned by Stichting Woonbedrijf Aardbevingsgebied Groningen since January 15, 2021. This foundation is responsible for purchasing homes and managing purchased homes in the earthquake area. Camping De Banjer has been for sale for years due to earthquake damage.

‘Living there is not allowed’

A possible move of the City Nomads to the former campsite is anything but a done race. There is no residential purpose on the site. Because it has a nature and recreational function in the countryside, the province must agree to a different interpretation. “So far, the issue has only been discussed at official level,” says deputy Bram Schmaal (Groninger Belang, spatial planning).

During that consultation it emerged that living at De Banjer is in conflict with the provincial environmental ordinance. “That’s right,” says Schmaal. “Living there is not allowed, but we are working on the environmental vision for the province. We look at living with a broader view. It is also true that all forms of housing must relate well to the landscape and environmental regulations.”

The residents of Betonbos recently called on the municipality to help them find a new residential location. The group, which once squatted in the area, has signed an agreement with the project developer in which it indicates that it will leave voluntarily. It is hoped that this goodwill will translate into a willingness to jointly look for alternative residential locations.