Overview
- Renkum officials said a COA request to house 230 people in an empty wing of the Valkenburcht is under review and no decision has been made.
- The proposed wing would be fully separated from current elderly residents, with apartments adapted to provide at least 4 m² private space per person.
- An information evening drew about 200 attendees and a small protest outside, and the council holds a public briefing on Jan. 13 followed by a debate on Jan. 20.
- If approved, an extensive safety plan would include 24/7 security, a reporting point and a residents’ council, and first arrivals would not be expected before summer 2026 after renovations.
- In Aalten, CDA, GemeenteBelangen and ChristenUnie filed an initiative capping reception at five years, favoring edge-of-town or industrial sites, phasing capacity to 200, requiring budget-neutrality and a COA safety plan, with the council set to discuss the proposal as the 200-person obligation remains in force.