Terneuzen council approves permit for asylum centre in former Neckermann office
Terneuzen's council voted 16 to 14 to approve an asylum centre for up to 200 people in a vacant office building, so the COA can start work on it.
Terneuzen's municipal council (gemeenteraad) voted 16 to 14 late on Thursday evening to grant a permit for an asylum seekers centre in a former Neckermann office building, after a debate of several hours.
The approval means the COA, the agency that runs reception for asylum seekers, can start work on realising the asylum seekers centre (azc) at Handelspoort. Terneuzen will house a maximum of 200 people.
The previous council had advised negatively on the plan. The new municipal executive (college) adjusted the proposal to improve social safety. The amended version passed narrowly with the support of several opposition parties, while some council members of coalition party TOP/Gemeentebelangen voted against.
After the vote, the PVV tabled a motion of no confidence against all aldermen. Mayor Weerwind told the council: "Difficult files are coming, and we must take our responsibility then too."
The council rejected the motion, with 18 votes against and 12 in favour.
Follow the story: COA
COA (Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers)
The independent government body that houses and looks after asylum seekers while their applications are processed. It runs reception centres across the country and falls under the minister responsible for asylum and migration.
gemeenteraad
The municipal council is the highest authority in a Dutch municipality. Its members are directly elected by local residents every four years. The council makes important local decisions, such as approving development plans, and oversees the daily administration by the mayor and aldermen.
azc (asielzoekerscentrum)
An asylum seekers' centre is a facility where people who have applied for asylum in the Netherlands are housed while they await a decision. These locations provide basic necessities such as shelter, food, and access to medical care. They are managed by the national reception agency and ensure asylum seekers have a safe place to stay during their legal procedure.