Katwijk rejects referendum on Eli Lilly factory

The Katwijk municipal council has rejected a referendum request regarding the construction of a new Eli Lilly manufacturing plant. Despite residents collecting over 300 signatures to trigger a vote, the council decided against it after the American pharmaceutical giant refused to delay its project timeline.

The proposed facility, representing a $3 billion investment, is intended for the production of diabetes and weight-loss medications. It is expected to cover twenty hectares near the Valkenburgse Meer and reach nearly forty meters in height. While the project is viewed as positive news by Minister Hermans, local residents have raised over 800 objections concerning energy and water consumption, safety, and the impact on local recreation and views.

Mayor Nathanaël Middelkoop advised the council to reject the referendum, arguing that it would have no factual effect on the decision and could potentially damage trust in the municipal government. The decision was supported by several political parties, including SGP, VVD, and D66, while CDA and KiesKatwijk were among those in favor of the referendum.