Defence announced in December 2023 how much space the armed forces need based on existing insights. Over the past 1.5 years, research has been conducted to determine the best locations for this. Consideration has been given to the impact on the living environment, nature, the environment, and public support. The results of the research can be found in the so-called Environmental Impact Report (planMER).
Space is scarce and there are several important social interests that require space. This requires careful consideration. The results of this can be found in the Draft NPRD.
Good Information
Individuals affected by this will be informed personally.
Secretary of State Tuinman: “The security situation in the world and the scarce space in the Netherlands force the cabinet to make these choices. I am very aware that this affects citizens and businesses. I have sat at kitchen tables, stood in the factory hall, and walked through the fields. I have felt the impact of the plans and the uncertainty of people. Therefore, it is important that we inform them quickly and properly. We do this with letters, but we will also visit them.”
Important Outcomes
It is important to combine space usage as much as possible. Combinations with nature for the expansions of military training areas often prove to be promising.
The location in Staphorst appears to be the most suitable for the additional site for large-scale ammunition storage. For the centrally located barracks for support units, Zeewolde-Spiekweg is the preferred location. Lelystad Airport is the preferred location for the stationing of fighter jets, based on military co-use at a civilian airport. It also turned out that a need of Defence cannot be realized in the Netherlands. No suitable location has been found for a new training ground to practice with explosives.
For the expansion of, for example, the training area De Weerterheide, several areas in Cranendonck and Weert have been designated as preferred locations. The same applies to the expansion of the Artillery Shooting Range for several areas in different municipalities in the province of Gelderland. All preferred locations can be found in the Draft NPRD.
Responding and Follow-up
Defence holds various digital and physical information meetings. From May 28 to July 9, everyone can respond to the Draft NPRD and environmental impact research by submitting a statement of views. Defence will process these in a Response Document. At the end of 2025, the cabinet will establish the National Programme Space for Defence.