Environmental Management

by Eric Seuren

YSSELSTEYN – The battle for the De Peel race track in Ysselsteyn is finally over. Residents and environmental organisations recently signed an agreement with racecourse owner Harry Maessen, in which they buried the hatchet under certain conditions. One of the conditions: Maessen will create fifteen hectares of new nature.

A very important moment according to Maessen. "After years of bickering, we are in agreement. And the great thing is that all parties win." Maessen is referring to the conditions.

In April, together with local residents, he announced additional noise measures on the circuit in the form of another noise barrier and an extra noise screen right next to the circuit. The noise production of the race cars on the circuit will also be tackled. All measures will be realised in the coming two years.

And that's not all. The agreement also stipulates that Maessen will receive fourteen 'noise days' once all the noise measures have been implemented on the grounds. He is allowed to use these days for car races and motorbike

and go-kart races. This year, Maessen will start with five such 'sound days' and next year he will have eleven at his disposal.

As a concession to the environmental organisations, Maessen is creating fifteen hectares of new nature in the Loobeek valley near Merselo

On the race track in Ysselsteyn, fourteen days of 'sound events' are allowed.

(in addition to the nature compensation already agreed). The original marshy nature area must return here and a number of tourist facilities such as picnic areas, walking and cycling routes and a bridge over the Loobeek will also be built. Cost: 231,000 euros. "There was no money yet for this part of the Loobeek project," says Maessen.

The three parties did make an urgent appeal to Venray Municipality to cooperate with all the necessary (adjustments to) permits. Alderman Lucien Peeters promised to do so.