Submit an objection

Do you disagree with a decision made by the municipality? If so, you can submit an objection to the municipality.

Arrange online

Approach

Submit your objection to us online. If this is not possible, you may also submit it in writing. Please do so within six weeks of the decision being announced, otherwise we will not be able to process your objection. Please also do this if you are still in consultation with the official handling your case. 

Digital submission

Please use the digital form for this purpose. You will need DigiD to do so. Follow the simple steps and agree to further contact via email. You will then no longer receive any paper mail. Do you give your consent to contact us via email? Please also check your inbox and spam folder.
Important: you cannot submit an objection by email.

Submit in writing

You can also send your objection by mail (or fax) to:
The Municipal Executive
Postbus
6400 AA Heerlen
Fax: (045) 560 39 53.

Always include the following in your objection:

  • against which decision you are objecting
  • the date and reference number of the decision you are appealing (please enclose a copy of the decision)
  • your name, address, and place of residence
  • why you object
  • your signature
  • authorization if you are filing an objection on behalf of someone else

Costs

You will not incur any costs during the appeal procedure.
You may choose to call on witnesses, experts, or a lawyer. If you do so, ask what the costs will be.
If you win your case and the municipality revokes its decision, the municipality will have to pay part of your costs. You must submit your request for reimbursement before a decision is made on your appeal.

Description

The municipality may make a decision with which you disagree. For example, your application for a subsidy or permit may have been rejected. Or you may disagree with the exemption granted to your neighbor. In that case, you can lodge an objection.

You can send your objection to the person who made the decision. For example:

  • the municipal executive
  • the mayor
  • the city council
  • a department of the municipality

Are you objecting to a decision that is not addressed to you? 

The interested party (e.g., a license holder) will then receive a copy of your objection letter with your name, address, and place of residence. Other personal data, such as your social security number, will be redacted. 

Requirements

The main Requirements submitting an objection to a decision are:

  • The decision is in writing.
  • The decision is up to the municipality.
  • You have a direct interest in the decision.
  • You disagree with the decision.
  • You believe that a decision must be made. 

Term

You must submit your objection to the municipality within six weeks of the decision being announced.
The municipality will process your objection after the objection period has expired. The municipality then has 6 weeks to do so.
The municipality may extend this period once.
Do this on time, otherwise the municipality will not be able to process your objection. This also applies if you are still in consultation with the official handling your case. In that case, send a provisional objection. In it, you indicate that you will explain your objection.

Objections and appeals

If you disagree with the decision on your objection, you can appeal to the court.

More information

Judiciary

Objection and appeal against a government decision

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