The Netherlands still has a lot of places to build

There are various plans to build in the Nijmegen floodplain

Thursday, April 11, 2024

The Netherlands has enough space for construction, but water and soil management are important to prevent future problems. The Spatial Assessment Framework for the Climate Resilient Built Environment confirms this and provides guidance. Although the framework is new, it confirms what was already known: there is scope for construction projects almost everywhere in the Netherlands.

Some locations require additional climate-resilient building measures, especially along coastlines and rivers. The government provides guidelines for this construction. Counties, municipalities and water boards use map materials to select building sites, taking water and soil into account.

Tightening building rules in floodplains
The assessment framework applies to the entire Netherlands, with the exception of the floodplains and the IJsselmeer area outside the dams, which are already subject to national building regulations. These regulations are being tightened. The hardening of the floodplains is expected to be completed in 2024 and the IJsselmeer area in 2026.

Mandatory for new construction
The government has announced that water and soil will play a greater role in spatial planning. From 1 January 2025, a spatial assessment framework will be mandatory for new housing projects, although how this will be legally established is still under investigation.

Scottish Highlands in the Nijmegen floodplain

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