Space: use, spatial policy and the consequences for nature and landscape in the Netherlands
Space is at a premium in the Netherlands. This means that there is not enough space available for all activities. The expansion of built-up areas, infrastructure and forest in the last twenty years has been at the expense of natural areas and agricultural land.
Increase in urban area and infrastructure
In the last twenty years, there has been a considerable increase in the built-up area, infrastructure and forest and a reduction in natural areas and agricultural land. Housing, work, recreation and traffic and transport are taking up an ever-larger proportion of the available area, especially in the Randstad urban agglomeration and in Brabant.
Nature and landscape under pressure
In addition to the reduction in the space for nature and landscape, other spatial mechanisms also play a role in the threat to these areas. The construction and widening of roads, for example, cut through and fragment nature areas. The proximity of, for example, intensive livestock holdings also has harmful implications for nature. The emission of acidifying compounds and eutrophying substances by livestock farming has an adverse effect on the quality nature areas in the vicinity.
Space on water
In addition to space on land, more and more thought is being given to the available space on water. The use of water areas could provide space, especially for facilities requiring large areas, such as wind turbine parks. However, it is important here not to overlook the fact that large sections of water are protected nature areas covered by the National Ecological Network (EHS) and/or the Birds and Habitats Directives (LNV, 2002).
Current spatial policy
The prevailing spatial policy can be found in, for example, the Vierde Nota Extra (Supplement to the Fourth Policy Document on Spatial Planning; VROM, 1990), the Structure Plan for Green Space (LNV, 1993/1995) and the Nature Policy Plan (LNV, 1999). The concrete manifestation of this policy consists of the large 'VINEX' housing locations and the National Ecological Network (EHS). In addition to this Dutch policy, European policy plays an ever-more important role, examples being the Birds and Habitats Directives. The successors to these documents are being drafted at present.
Proposed spatial policy
The Fifth National Policy Document on Spatial Planning (VROM, 2001) proposes various measures for directing the spatial structure of the Netherlands. On the one hand, there is a wish to keep the urbanisation of outlying areas to a minimum by concentrating the expansion of the functions of housing and work in three areas. A line - the 'red contour' - has been drawn round the existing urban areas and existing plans for expansion. Areas have also been designated where urbanisation will be permitted ('bundelingsgebieden' and 'provinciale opvangkernen').
On the other hand, there are discussions about areas within 'green contours'. The extension of urban functions will be prohibited or subject to severe restrictions in these areas. The green contour includes, for example, the National Ecological Network (EHS), areas designated in accordance with the Birds and Habitats Directives (not including the large bodies of water), national parks and a selection of areas that are of cultural and historical interest, the 'Belvédère' areas.
However, all this is not yet established policy; it has the status of a policy proposal. A letter from the first Balkenende government (2002) set the tone for a more liberal spatial planning policy with fewer rules and more freedoms for provincial authorities. The definitive decisions will be included in the Nota Ruimte (Space Policy Document), that will be published in early 2004. This document will also bring together the Fifth National Policy Document on Spatial Planning and the Second Structure Plan for Green Space (LNV, 2001).
