Green light for second health center in former St. Joseph church
On Monday, April 7, the Interim Injunction Judge of the Administrative Law Division of the Council of State ruled definitively that the former rectory of the monumental St. Joseph Church on Park Avenue, which has been withdrawn from worship, may be demolished. This will make way for the construction of a new health center, which will house general practitioners, an injection lab, pharmacy, dentist and various paramedical practices, among others.
Final decision
The municipality had already issued a final decision last October, which the District Court found to be lawful. The Provisional Court dismissed the appeal and ruled on the merits. First, the Provisional Judge ruled that the zoning plan allows the intended function at this location. Second, the Provisional Judge ruled that it was not shown that the advice sought by the municipality could not be used. Thirdly, the Interim Injunction Judge ruled that in light of the Nature Conservation Act, the municipality could grant the environmental permit without a Statement of No Objections from the Province of South Holland. With this ruling, the environmental permit has become irrevocable and the initiator can start work.
Alderman welfare Ronald Zoutendijk commented on the decision, "This is an important step for the future of Wassenaar. The new health center will create sufficient space for general practitioner care in Wassenaar and for other (para)medical care providers. This project means an important impulse for Wassenaar-North, in addition to the arrival of a new elementary school on the Huibregtseveld. We are pleased that the initiators can now proceed with this important project."
