These rules are not yet final. We first want to know what residents, entrepreneurs, and organizations need from us to comply with the rules.

Why are these rules necessary?

The nature in Gelderland is struggling due to excessive nitrogen deposition. As a result, we can hardly grant any nature permits anymore. This has halted housing construction and business expansions. We want to find a solution for this, which is why we are working on new rules. This will allow nature to recover and create space for new plans. For the 2 Natura 2000 areas near Winterswijk, we are examining whether the ongoing area process provides sufficient nitrogen reduction and nature recovery. If so, nitrogen strips will not be necessary there.

Rules for different groups

We are considering rules for different groups or sectors. For example, we are thinking about: 

• Less nitrogen emissions per animal and per hectare for farmers. 
• Cleaner heating installations and less gas consumption by companies. 
• More electric driving by companies and lower speed limits on highways during nighttime hours. 
• Working in construction with cleaner (electric) machines.

We want to help the various sectors comply with these rules. We will consult and investigate what is possible in terms of subsidies, advice, support, and customization.

Want to think along? You can!

In September and October 2025, stakeholders from the strips can think along about the plans. We will organize meetings in villages and cities around the Veluwe, the Landgoederen Brummen, and Winterswijk. You can also give your opinion through your interest organization. Provincial contact persons will be available for personal conversations with businesses and farmers.

More information can be found on this webpage. By the end of August 2025, you will also find more information here about where and when we will hold meetings and for whom.

Part of a larger approach

The elaboration of these strips is part of a larger approach, the so-called Nitrogen Acceleration Approach. More is needed than just an approach in the strips. Measures are required throughout Gelderland. To unlock Gelderland, we must work on nature recovery and reducing nitrogen emissions throughout Gelderland. We pay special attention to the Veluwe, the largest nitrogen-sensitive nature area in the Netherlands, where more than 50% of all nitrogen-sensitive nature can be found. This way, we can once again grant nature permits in Gelderland for housing construction, safe roads, and business expansions.