Landscape degradation caused by the construction of a wind farm, changes to traffic flows resulting from the building of a new road, or odour nuisance from intensive livestock farming: in border regions, the consequences of such developments are often not confined to a single country. To provide practical guidance for residents and authorities wishing to have a say in construction projects close to the border, the Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Planning (NDCRO) is now presenting a new brochure. This has been made possible by the Interreg Programme Deutschland-Nederland and its programme partners, and is co-funded by the European Union, under the title ‘RuimteKompas: Orientation in the Border Region’.
The brochure is intended as a practical guide and offers a clear explanation of the complex German and Dutch systems of laws and levels of government. Using concrete examples, it provides insight into the opportunities for residents to have a say in developments in the border region. In addition, the brochure contains detailed explanations of key legal concepts and clear flowcharts of spatial planning and approval procedures. The brochure is available in German with an explanation of the Dutch system, and in Dutch with an explanation of the German system.
With this brochure, an update of the first edition from 2014, the commission responds to recent legislative changes and current developments. The brochure helps citizens and authorities to better understand the Dutch and German rules and their rights regarding spatial developments, thereby making public participation easier in practice.
What is the NDCRO?
The Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Planning (NDCRO) promotes cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany in the field of spatial planning. The commission coordinates spatially relevant plans and measures – particularly in the border region – and discusses cross-border spatial issues.
Further information are available from the Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Planning. You can find the broschure here.
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