Groningen unveils long-term vision for housing, nature and infrastructure by 2050
Groningen’s new environmental vision, ‘Dit wordt Groningen,’ outlines how the province will manage housing, business spaces, nature, and transport until 2050. Residents’ input shaped the plan, which now awaits approval by the Provincial Council on 15 April.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Vision Name | Omgevingsvisie ‘Dit wordt Groningen’ |
| Time Horizon | 2050 (strategic choices up to 2035) |
| Focus Areas | Housing, businesses, transport, environment, water, agriculture, nature |
| Public Consultation | 73 responses submitted during public display |
| Next Step | Provincial Council discussion and adoption on 15 April 2026 |
| Legal Basis | Dutch Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) |
| Implementation Tools | Omgevingsverordening, policy programmes, subsidies |
The Province of Groningen is responsible for spatial planning and environmental policy within its jurisdiction. Under the Dutch Environment and Planning Act, it must develop an Omgevingsvisie to guide decisions on housing, infrastructure, and nature conservation, ensuring sustainable development.
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Groningen presents Omgevingsvisie to Provincial Council
The provincial executive is presenting the Omgevingsvisie ‘Dit wordt Groningen’ (This is what Groningen will be) to the Groningen Provincial Council for adoption. The Omgevingsvisie sets out choices that will guide how our province manages the physical living environment. For example, where will there be space for housing, businesses, traffic and transport? How will we deal with the environment, water, agriculture and nature? And how will we protect our heritage and landscape? The vision looks ahead to 2050 and makes strategic choices up to 2035. The draft Omgevingsvisie was on public display last autumn, during which 73 responses were submitted. The executive has today adopted the document containing these responses. This will be submitted to the Provincial Council, which is expected to discuss and adopt it on 15 April.
The provincial Omgevingsvisie is an integrated policy framework for all aspects of the physical living environment. This is a mandatory document under the Dutch Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). Based on the Omgevingsvisie, the province may establish legally binding rules through the provincial Omgevingsverordening (Environment and Planning Decree). These ensure that new developments are in line with provincial policy. The Omgevingsvisie is also implemented through policy and area programmes and subsidies.
Input
The vision was developed in consultation with Groningen authorities and civil society organisations. Their ideas and ambitions, but also their concerns, have helped shape this vision.
Quality as a starting point
Groningers feel a strong connection to their landscape. That is why broad prosperity and the quality of our living environment are the starting points in the Omgevingsvisie. With (spatial) quality as the basis, the province is contributing to the necessary transitions, choosing further development for Groningen, and strengthening the spatial structure.