Municipal plans for the Vlietzone run a new road straight through the headquarters of maintenance company Van Lochem Nederland. The planned route connects alongside the A4 to Laan van ‘s-Gravenmade, directly where the building stands.
The family business employs around 300 staff and houses its offices, storage, and logistics on the site. Company management stated that demolishing part of the property would make the entire premises unusable, with no suitable replacement location available.
Lack of consultation
Van Lochem first learned of the demolition plans through the media. The municipality did not inform the business or consult it during route studies.
A company director spoke at a spatial planning committee meeting on 10 June, where former alderman Klaas Verschuure apologised and promised action. According to the company, no follow-up occurred, no meeting was scheduled, and personal apologies were never delivered.
Legal challenge and political criticism
Van Lochem has hired law firm Bird & Bird and is holding the municipality liable for current and future damages. The firm warns that potential claims cover lost business value, lost revenue, and previous site investments.
City council members from the Partij voor de Dieren and the SP have questioned why the municipality continues to pursue the project. They criticised the route for destroying trees and undermining a local employer without consulting affected parties.
