Press release: Zembla broadcast highlights social issue of permanent occupancy at vacation parks

Tonight, an episode of Zembla finally addresses this issue. There are many campsites in the Netherlands where people, often forced by their (sometimes temporary) personal situation, reside permanently. Years of policies have led to a tight housing market, making it unaffordable for many people to buy or rent a home. Many municipalities are faced with this and have tolerance policies for housing seekers on mostly outdated campsites with overdue maintenance. Recent research shows that many of these campgrounds are not only unsafe, but also vulnerable to crime. 

Permanent occupancy at holiday parks 

This housing shortage is forcing many people, against the rules and laws, to choose an insecure existence on a campsite. They do not choose to, but have no other option. Many people rent land and sometimes even place a caravan or chalet on it using their last resources. When developers like us want to revitalize and modernize these campsites, they may be confronted with people who live “permanently” at the campsites. This can create very unpleasant situations and even personal tragedies. Suddenly, mismanagement gets a “face". 

The developers want to build and renovate on the owner's purchased land. The residents want to continue to live there, but have no formal rights by renting the land. It goes without saying that a landowner may sell it. This is a major social problem. 

Industry association HISWA-RECRON has sent a firm letter to four ministries: Justice & Security, Interior Affairs, Economic Affairs, and Housing and Spatial Planning. The letter was also sent to the Permanent Parliamentary Committees, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), and the Interprovincial Consultation (IPO). ANWB supports this letter. 

The letter notes that allowing permanent occupancy is not compatible with the recreational product and is not the solution to the housing crisis. By sidelining entrepreneurs, the very vitality of aging campgrounds at a holiday park is at risk. Furthermore, there are concerns about economic impacts in the surrounding area. 

Zembla TV broadcast 

Zembla provides insight into this social problem. Research was conducted on permanent occupancy at holiday parks. Even in Kleen Resorts' redevelopment projects, it sometimes happens that when a park is purchased, it turns out that there is permanent housing. This was the case last year at De Westeinder campsite in Haarlemmermeer. Kleen Resorts has been transparent from the beginning toward the tenants who live here permanently. We gave them timely notice and over 12 months to find alternative housing. We were asked by Zembla to address the specific situation of residents. We deliberately did not respond to this for two reasons: 

1. It adds nothing to the social problem at the heart of the episode. Going into individual cases would misrepresent the larger social issue we face. 

2. In addition, as long as we are in the middle of this issue and personally talking to residents, we cannot make any substantive statements. As an organization, we do not feel it is appropriate to share our experiences with some tenants on TV. We understand that emotions run very high when people need to move their caravan or chalet. 

We obviously want to continue the dialogue, but want to avoid project developers like us being portrayed as ruthless, unscrupulous, and money-hungry enablers of the problem. 

Municipalities adopt zoning ordinances in which they determine what is desirable in a given location. Permanent occupancy was also ruled out at this campground. So the issue goes beyond giving the impression that developers are simply “putting people out on the street. This has never been our intention and it never will be. We are in close contact with the municipality to resolve problems. 

Finally

Kleen Resorts has a clear vision. We only sell a property including land, so buyers have assurance that they will not have to simply move or lose their property as is happening now at some campsites. In addition, we do not buy up campgrounds at random, but provide a carefully constructed supply of vacation homes in all segments of the market. We understand better than anyone that recreation should be possible for everyone in the market, not just a limited group of people with the very highest incomes. Just have a look at our range. However, recreation belongs at vacation parks, which are bound by established environmental plans and which are safe. 

In short, we fully recognize the social problem outlined by Zembla. However, the complex situation was created by years of non-enforcement of rules caused by housing shortages. This housing shortage was not caused by developers' actions. Of course, we do recognize that things can go wrong even with buyers of campsites. As a property developer, Kleen Resorts therefore expressly distances itself from any approach that does not meet legal standards and has not been recently reviewed by the courts.

We are at your service. 

Best regards, 

K. Kleen CEO
Kleen Resorts