THISTED: DOI.dk has previously written about the serial entrepreneur and surfer, Rasmus Fejerskov, who has just moved his surf cafe from the beach area at Hanstholm Harbour, which he had rented from the harbour. He abandoned the cafe after an order from Thisted Municipality, after which the businessman called for an objective justification from DOI.dk.
At Thisted Municipality, technical director Mogens Kruse Andersen cannot recognize that presentation of the case.
- It is a commercial harbour. And it is the Harbour and Planning Act that defines what can be built here. Rasmus Fejerskov's café was in an area where there are companies with the highest environmental approval, and they are only 50 meters away. In fact, there are only 35 meters to FF Skagen, explains Mogens Kruse Andersen about the company, which produces fishmeal, among other things.
And the law on what is allowed where and when in a port has also changed.
- The planning law was tightened in 2017 precisely to prevent companies from being displaced from the port area by companies that do not have port-related activities. It is about not pushing the port's companies away. It's to protect them, says the technical director.
Legalization investigated
The surf café had a great location on the harbor beach, and an investigation was actually launched to see if legalization was possible.
- We asked an external lawyer to investigate whether the location was possible within the law. If it had been possible, we would have given the permit. It just wasn't possible. There are no options at the harbor. The case has been legally investigated in every possible way, says Mogens Kruse Andersen and points out a decision by the Planning Appeals Board that supports the lawyer's conclusion.
The harbor already has the fishmonger and restaurant Røgeriet, which is known in the local area for its shooting star.
- The Røgeriet started before 2017, when it was still possible before the change in law, adds Mogens Kruse Andersen about an option that no longer exists.
- If Rasmus Fejerskov wants to be allowed to run a cafe there, he will have to get hold of the politicians at Christiansborg to change the law, adds the director.
Open for dialogue
Even though the surf cafe is closed, it does not mean that surfers are not welcome.
- We really want to have a dialogue with the surf school. It's not like we want to get rid of the surfers, as some have said, says Mogens Kruse Andersen, who also can't understand why shipyard owner Finn Jørgensen in Hanstholm told DOI.dk that he hasn't seen the technical director at the port.
- I was at the port last Friday, where I had a meeting with the port manager. I didn't see Finn Jørgensen that day, but I've seen him at the port several times before. If Finn Jørgensen calls, I'd like to meet with him, he just needs to say so. And I have a really good relationship with the port's companies. I also have regular monthly meetings with the harbour council, which consists of some of the largest companies in the harbour, explains Mogens Kruse Andersen and adds:
- You are welcome to call the harbour council and ask about it.
The lease started the matter
But it all really started when Rasmus Fejerskov was allowed to lease the land from the harbour.
- I think it is a shame that the previous management of the harbour leased the area. The lease states that Rasmus Fejerskov had to apply for the necessary permits from Thisted Municipality. If he had applied for a building permit for the beach café, the matter would never have started, says Mogens Kruse Andersen and concludes:
- It is a very simple matter that has developed.
Mogens Kruse Andersen cannot say what the area will be used for. Nor whether it is a company from the energy industry that is coming in.
- There are confidentiality clauses that are entered into as one of the first things. That is why I cannot say anything, explains the technical director.
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