Objection procedure College

Objecting

Within six weeks of publication, you (and others) can object to a decision. If we have not received the notice of objection within these six weeks, the possibility to object is in principle over. This means that the objection will then not be processed.

The objection must include:

• your name and address;
• The date you send the objection;
• The decision you are objecting to (enclose a copy);
• The reasons why you are objecting;
• your signature.

Your objection should be sent to:

• Mayor and Aldermen of Opsterland,
• Attn: Secretary Appeals Committee
• Postbus 10,000
• 9244 ZP Beetsterzwaag

You can also object digitally. This can be done via www.opsterland.nl/bezwaar-maken. You will need DigiD to do this.

It is likely that you and others involved will be invited to a hearing to explain your and their views respectively. This is called a "hearing. The hearing is conducted by an independent committee. You will be notified of this in advance.

Decision on your objection

In principle, you can expect the decision on your objection within 12 weeks of the end of the objection period.

Direct appeal to court

If you do not want to follow the objection procedure, you can also ask us in your objection to take the case to court immediately. If the case is suitable, we will then forward the objection and the documents to the court. You will have to pay court fees for such a direct appeal.

Reimbursement of legal expenses

If you have had to incur costs during the objection procedure to obtain legal assistance and the decision is revoked because it was unlawful, you can claim reimbursement of these costs. A request for reimbursement of these costs must have been made before the appeal was decided.

Suspend execution of decision

Even if you have objected, in principle, the decision may simply be implemented. This may have irreparable consequences for you. You can then ask the municipality to suspend the implementation of the decision.

You can also ask the court for a "preliminary injunction. This is a special arrangement for the period we are still processing the appeal. In doing so, the court can rule that the implementation of the decision is temporarily suspended. Such a ruling is called a suspension. The court will charge you court fees for considering a request for a preliminary injunction.

Your request for injunctive relief should be sent, with a copy of your notice of appeal, to:

• President of the District Court of Northern Netherlands, administrative law division
• Postbus 150
• 9700 AD Groningen

Further information

More information can be downloaded from the rijksoverheid website.