The Nesbyen Hytte Scandal

Dear all,

We bought our two hytte tomter in 2000 (Reinrosevegen). At that time we had already lived and worked in Norway for 8 years. They were bought in good faith from a nice fellow called Hans Tandberg whose maps and personal assurances told that there would be no development above or around us, as it was a designated green space and 'friluftsområde'. And that we would be able to hike and ski for many miles around including trails to and in the høyfjell areas beyond Trommenatten and the surrounding fjells.

Have we been betrayed? Clearly yes. Not what we expected in an honest country like Norway. And for 25 years we have supported the local economy by way of taxes, membership fees, road maintenance costs and local commerce.

What can we do about it?

1) we already protested, personally, to Hans Tandberg, some years ago. He just gave excuses.

2) we currently and vigorously support the hytteforening: Nesbyen Kommune needs to 'get a grip'. And fast. They are being paid a king's ramsom in hytte tax and cleverly sleeping at the wheel whilst their developer friends are getting away with murder. It's a scandal of national significance. It represents excess and greed of spectacular proportions, with no consideration for sensible limits. By the way we understand and sympathise with the høyfjell landowners.

3) unless there is a full solution and fast, we are going to remove our hytte elsewhere. It is quality, solid håndlaftet tømmer and we are proud of it as our own unique design, embracing the best of Norwegian craftsmanship and tradition; it came from northern Norway on a truck and it will soon leave on a truck. It will make a very interesting story in the national and international media.

We urge all parties to act with a sense of urgency and to reach a universally clear and acceptable plan, even though developments on the ground already far exceed landowners 'promises' and reasonable limits.

Meanwhile, we remain extremely disappointed and saddened by this dreadful state of affairs.

Yours sincerely,

Richard and Belinda Drabble

Langdalsvej 27

Egsmarklund

8400 Ebeltoft

Danmark