Questions, Concerns and Comments Regarding the Ecofactorij II Development Plan
Has any research been carried out into environmental impacts (such as CO₂ and particulate matter)?
The draft environmental plan examines the environmental impact of Ecofactorij II, including traffic and emissions.
How are concerns about the climate, traffic and the living environment being addressed?
These concerns are well known. Whilst the Woudhuizermark viaduct remains open, consideration is being given to how the road might be redesigned to provide more space for cyclists and strike a better balance between traffic and the local environment.
Will the energy target be met?
There is no specific target, but there is a clear ambition in the area of sustainability.
Why is expansion necessary?
The business parks in Apeldoorn are almost full and demand remains high. Apeldoorn is growing and aims to strike a balance between population growth and job creation. Ecofactorij II offers space for new businesses to set up or for existing businesses in Apeldoorn to relocate, thereby freeing up the sites they leave behind for redevelopment.
What sort of businesses will be setting up there?
Mainly the manufacturing and logistics sectors.
What is the manufacturing industry?
Companies specialising in manufacturing, recycling and circular economy activities.
Who are these extra jobs for?
This depends very much on the companies that set up there, but in principle these companies contribute to employment growth either directly (within the company itself) or indirectly (through suppliers or customers). This is good news for Apeldoorn and the region.
Are abattoirs, manure processors and manure digesters excluded?
These businesses fit the intended profile and are not excluded from the local development plan currently being drawn up. The final decision rests with the local council.
How many companies will be attending?
That depends on the plot size (approximate range: 1–3 ha). The total area available for allocation is approximately 31 ha.
Will the solar park go ahead?
Yes, that’s outside the planning area.
Why not have green spaces on company plots, but rather central green spaces?
Scattered and fragmented green spaces on plots behind fences, as is currently the case in the existing Ecofactorij business park, have little or no practical value. For this reason, partly on the advice of the Ecofactorij park management organisation, the extension has been designed to feature wide green zones and a central park with water retention facilities, nature areas and recreational spaces. It is a pleasant place to spend time, offering a cool retreat in summer and space for communal facilities. An attractive green space is being created where people can work, take a break and stroll or cycle through.
Why provide cycling and walking facilities in an industrial estate?
For safe access, the health of workers and good links to the city.
What is the current position on tunnel closures, and what are the implications for traffic and safety?
Based on the most recent traffic study (2025), there is no reason to close the tunnels under the A1 and A50 to motor vehicle traffic. This had previously been considered due to expected traffic growth, but that growth appears to be lower than anticipated.
The decision to keep the tunnels open addresses concerns about increased traffic in residential areas and the countryside, longer journey times and access for the emergency services.
Furthermore, the feeling of being cut off (Zonnehoeve) and/or being cut off from the urban area (de Kar/Hooilanden) is no longer an issue now that the tunnels are being kept open.
Road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, remains a key concern; other measures are being explored where necessary.
Have future developments been taken into account in traffic forecasts?
Yes, including the development of the Zuidrand (2040 scenario).
What is being done to tackle rat-running and traffic congestion?
These indications will be taken into account in further considerations and measures.
What traffic measures are being investigated?
Things to bear in mind:
- changes to junctions
- traffic lights
- road layout (such as road narrowing or a residential zone)
These are being assessed for their effectiveness.
Does restricting goods traffic have an impact on traffic congestion in residential areas?
No, a specific ban on goods vehicles is not a solution here. The majority of the additional traffic consists of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which are not covered by such a ban. That is why broader traffic measures are being considered, rather than focusing solely on goods vehicles.
Will there be a central lorry park?
This is not planned for Ecofactorij II. The provincial authorities are taking the lead and are investigating the options available within the region.
What traffic measures are being considered to improve safety and traffic flow?
The road safety project is examining various measures, such as one-way traffic, changes to junctions, traffic lights and road layout. Based on up-to-date data, a decision will be made as to which combination of measures is most effective.
Is road safety for schoolchildren taken into account?
Yes, this is part of the road safety project.
How is road safety for cyclists on the Woudhuizermark being improved?
The Woudhuizermark is part of a separate road safety project. This project examines and addresses issues such as blind bends and junctions, obstructive kerbs, the layout of the tunnel and conflicts between cyclists and motor traffic. The aim is to create a safe and comfortable cycle route.
Would it be possible to create a dedicated cycle path alongside the Woudhuizermark?
A dedicated cycle path is being considered, but it is difficult to fit into the available space. Due to limited space at the tunnel under the A50, this can only be achieved if measures are also taken to manage motor vehicle traffic. This will be taken into account in the options study.
Could the Barnewinkel railway line be closed to motor traffic using a retractable barrier, allowing access only to the emergency services?
We are including such a measure – designed to regulate traffic flow and make it safer – in the various options and packages of measures that are currently being examined in more detail.
Why is a railway tunnel being built, and what does this mean for traffic and cyclists?
The railway tunnel is necessary because, with increasing (freight) traffic, ProRail no longer permits level crossings. The tunnel provides a safe and future-proof solution. The design pays explicit attention to safe cycle routes and accessibility during and after the works.
How are residents and businesses involved?
Via:
- project page
- newsletters
- meetings (larger meetings as well as one-to-one meetings)
How does the appeals process work?
Via official notices (officielebekendmakingen.nl).
How is the local authority dealing with planning-related losses resulting from the Ecofactorij II development?
You may suffer (financial) loss if the local authority takes a planning decision. This usually involves a new environmental plan or an environmental permit to deviate from an environmental plan. You may be eligible for compensation for this. This loss is also referred to as ‘planning loss’. Article 6.1 of the Spatial Planning Act lists the spatial measures that may give rise to planning damage. The Environment Act came into force on 1 January 2024. The loss we refer to as ‘planning loss’ will then be known as ‘compensation for loss’. On the website, further information and details information about the procedure.
Where can residents go to make complaints about environmental nuisance?
Complaints about noise, odours or other environmental nuisances can be reported via Environmental complaint in Gelderland. In addition, environmental impacts are taken into account in the draft environmental plan.
WWhy hasn’t everyone in the countryside been informed?
A large area has been selected: Zonnehoeve, (eastern part) De Maten,
(part of) the Kar/Hooilanden rural area and businesses at the Ecofactorij. Around 4,000 addresses have received a letter. A line has to be drawn somewhere, and it’s quite difficult to decide exactly where that line should be. Anyone who needs to is, of course, welcome. There is also plenty of information available on the website, and there is an email address where questions can be sent. In this way, we aim to keep everyone as well informed as possible.
What is ‘cut-through traffic’?
Traffic that does not use main roads, even if it serves a practical purpose for local residents.
Are at least two access routes compulsory?
No.