Kinderopvang Jannekemaan in Keerbergen has been ordered to vacate its current premises by the end of August following a ruling by the peace court in Aarschot.
This decision arose from a complaint filed by the co-owners of the apartment building where the childcare centre is located. The organisation and the local council have criticised the deadline as unrealistic and are seeking temporary solutions to continue accommodating 58 children.
Jannekemaan is part of the ‘Childcare in Your Neighbourhood’ organisation, which operates several locations in the region. In 2022, the organisation purchased a ground floor unit in an apartment complex on Tremelobaan in Keerbergen, previously used for commercial purposes. The premises were converted into a modern childcare facility, and, after receiving a change of use permit from the local council, began operations.
“Although the childcare centre had the necessary permits approved by both the province and the Agency for Growing Up, the Association of Co-owners (VME) still appealed,” said Peter Verlinden, council member for childcare (CD&V). “They cited the building’s notarial deed, which states the ground floor can only be used for commercial purposes. The legal matter was ultimately taken to the Aarschot peace court, which ruled that the centre must vacate by 31 August.”
‘Childcare in Your Neighbourhood’ plans to appeal the ruling solely to extend the deadline. “We accept the judgement for the wellbeing of our staff, but we ask the residents and the appeal court for leniency until our new location is ready,” said managing director Annick Brems. “This decision impacts 36 childcare spots and 58 families, who suddenly face being without childcare.”
The local council is supporting efforts to find a temporary solution. “The organisation wants to return to its old site in Keerbergen, but that building urgently needs renovation,” explained Verlinden. “We are considering placing temporary container units in the garden of that site, which comply with regulations but will cost about €6,000 a month and require a separate permit, which takes time. This is a significant burden, especially for the 58 families now in limbo. The timeline is completely unrealistic. Relocating a childcare centre is not a three-week task. Strict standards from the Agency for Growing Up rightly apply. This requires months of preparation. We hope for understanding and cooperation from the residents.”
