Goeree-Overflakkee simplifies permits for home insulation to protect wildlife
Residents of Goeree-Overflakkee can soon insulate their homes more easily and affordably while protecting local wildlife like bats and swallows. A new municipal plan will eliminate the need for individual ecological surveys, saving time and money for homeowners.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Goeree-Overflakkee, Zuid-Holland |
| Protected Species | House sparrow, starling, swallows, bats |
| Research Period | April 1 – October 1, 2026 |
| Research Organization | Blom Ecology |
| Permit Availability | Expected by end of 2027 |
| Cost Savings | No need for individual ecological surveys |
| Contact for Reports | info@blomecologie.nl |
| More Information | goeree-overflakkee.nl/smp |
The municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee is responsible for facilitating sustainable development while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. By creating a species management plan and securing an environmental permit, the municipality helps residents balance energy efficiency with wildlife protection.
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Municipality working on environmental permit for insulation and renovation
Many residents of Goeree-Overflakkee are insulating their homes to save energy and reduce their energy bills. That is good news. However, insulation can also affect protected animals such as bats and other creatures living in and around homes. For this reason, homeowners must have an ecological survey conducted and apply for a permit for insulation or renovation work. The municipality aims to make this process easier and cheaper with a species management plan (SMP) and environmental permit.
Species management plan and environmental permit
The municipality is developing a species management plan (SMP) and applying for an environmental permit based on it. The SMP outlines which protected animals live in the villages, such as the house sparrow, starling, and various species of swallows and bats, as well as how they can be protected during insulation and renovation work. With this plan, the municipality will apply for a permit from the Province of South Holland. Homeowners can then use this permit without having to conduct their own ecological survey, saving both time and money.
Survey of protected animals
Blom Ecology is preparing the SMP. To do this, they are conducting research in various village centers on the island. From April 1 to October 1, you may encounter ecologists in your neighborhood. Sometimes they conduct surveys early in the morning, in the evening, or at night to identify protected animals. This only takes place on public roads, not on private property. The researchers are identifiable by a green vest with the Blom Ecology logo. They cycle around the island, taking notes and photos. If in doubt, you can ask to see their identification.
Next steps
Based on the research, Blom Ecology will draft the SMP. The municipality will then apply for the environmental permit, which is expected to be available by the end of 2027.
Can you help?
You know your local area best. Additional information from residents can help Blom Ecology’s research. Have you seen anything?
- Are house sparrows, swift, or barn swallows nesting under your roof tiles?
- Are there barn swallow nests under your eaves?
- Have you seen bats flying inside?
You can report this via info@blomecologie.nl.
Insulating before the permit is ready?
Would you like to insulate your cavity walls or roof now, for example? In that case, follow the rules for nature-friendly insulation. More information can be found at: goeree-overflakkee.nl/natuurvriendelijk-isoleren.
More information about the research and the species management plan is available at goeree-overflakkee.nl/smp.