One third of all planned construction projects may not proceed due to nitrogen regulations, according to the Dutch construction association Bouwend Nederland. This issue affects 244,000 of the 631,000 housing units planned through 2030.
Permits may not be granted as these projects are near nitrogen-sensitive nature areas. Bouwend Nederland highlights recent court decisions, including a ruling from the Hague in January requiring the government to mitigate nitrogen-related damage in protected areas.
The Council of State annulled the ‘internal balancing’ practice, which allowed the offsetting of nitrogen impacts of new projects with those of previous projects at the same site. As a result, new construction permit applications have been halted in Drenthe, Gelderland, Overijssel, and North Brabant.
Bouwend Nederland urges the government to address nitrogen emissions at the source, involving agriculture, industry, and construction sectors. On Wednesday, ministers gathered at the Catshuis to find solutions to the nitrogen issue, under the leadership of Prime Minister Schoof.
The outcomes of this meeting are not yet available.
Source: NOS