This means we can hardly grant permits for new homes, safe roads, and expansion of businesses anymore.
Reducing nitrogen in and around nature
Establishing buffer zones around vulnerable nature is one of the things we are doing to reduce nitrogen emissions throughout Gelderland. This is part of a larger approach to nitrogen. It concerns buffer zones of 500 meters around nitrogen-sensitive nature within the Natura 2000 – areas Veluwe, Landgoederen Brummen and Bekendelle, and Willinks Weust near Winterswijk. Here, nitrogen emissions must significantly decrease within 10 years. This is a step to unlock Gelderland again. And we can build, grant permits, so that nature can truly recover. We are working together with municipalities, water boards, and entrepreneurs in industry, housing, agriculture, and mobility.
Participate
We value the opinions of entrepreneurs and residents in and around the 4 nature areas. Therefore, we invite them to provide their feedback on the ideas for rules we have. Are they feasible? Are there other and better ideas? And what is needed to comply with the rules? These entrepreneurs and residents received a letter from us. There are various ways to participate. Through a digital platform, during open meetings, and through one-on-one conversations.
In addition, we are in discussion with municipalities, water boards, and interest organizations from the various sectors.
Implementation
We collect all advice and proposals and assess whether they are feasible, effective, affordable, and legally possible. The results will be shared on the digital platform. We indicate which ideas are feasible and will be included in the implementation of the policy. This will be submitted to the Provincial Council. They will make a final decision on this in September 2026. Before that, the College of Deputy Governors will make a preliminary decision in January 2026, followed by a consultation procedure in March 2026.