Furthermore, residents and entrepreneurs request compensation if the value of properties and land decreases. They also ask for subsidies to make buildings more sustainable and for tailored measures per sector or area. Residents and entrepreneurs value nature, want to contribute to it, and are already doing a lot. This emerges from the consultation round and discussions about the zone policy. This is the policy we are developing to reduce nitrogen emissions in the 500-meter zones around nitrogen-sensitive nature.
Participation
In September and October 2025, residents, landowners and users, entrepreneurs, companies, and social institutions from the zones could participate in walk-in meetings and via a digital platform to think along with us about reducing nitrogen emissions. We were curious about their opinions on our plans and the proposed rules for the zones, and what they need to comply. Nearly 1,000 people attended the walk-in meetings. Also, on the digital platform denkmee.gelderland.nl/stikstof, we received about 850 responses. The participation report of this consultation round is now available on the platform.
Various discussions
We organized walk-in meetings at locations around the Veluwe and Winterswijk. Additionally, everyone could leave feedback via the digital platform. About 120 entrepreneurs made use of the opportunity for one-on-one conversations. Furthermore, we invited municipalities in the zones for various meetings and held talks with representative organizations from different sectors and Water Boards. Finally, we received extra emails and letters from entrepreneurs, interest groups, and municipalities with reactions to our plans.
Participation report
The participation report shows how people have contributed their thoughts on the plans and how many participated. This took place on the digital platform and during walk-in meetings. The report highlights frequently mentioned topics, concerns, and ideas received. It also contains an analysis of all responses. The Provincial Executive uses this report to make a decision.
Need for certainty and perspective
The consultation round shows that there are many questions from everyone and a need for certainty and perspective. That is also our focus, as we want measures that work in livable zones. Thanks to everyone for participating; it improves our plans. We take the responses into account in the further development of the zone approach and supporting policy.
Province of Gelderland
Processing responses
At this moment, we are reading all responses. We are checking if we can adjust or rephrase the proposed rules. This ensures the rules are also feasible. All reports (the participation report, atmosphere reports from the walk-in meetings, and reports of conversations with municipalities and representative organizations) can be found on the digital platform. All submitters will receive a response to their input after the decision of the Provincial Executive. This will be done via the digital platform, by letter, or by email.
Decision and participation
In January 2026, the Provincial Executive will decide on the zone policy to reduce nitrogen emissions in the zones. They will also look at the main lines on how best to support entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations, for example with subsidies, advice, and sharing knowledge. In March and April 2026, official participation on the rules stemming from the policy will follow. These will be included in the Environmental Regulation. This is an official list of rules for the living environment, such as water, soil, and nature. In autumn 2026, the Provincial Council will make the final decision. Then it will also be clear how we help entrepreneurs and organizations.
Gelderland unlocked
We are working on 500-meter zones around nature in Gelderland that is sensitive to nitrogen. We implement this zone approach around vulnerable nature in the Veluwe and the Brummen estates. In these zones, we want to significantly reduce nitrogen emissions within 10 years. This allows nature to recover. It also helps speed up permit issuance for business expansion, housing construction, and safe roads. We have devised ideas to help entrepreneurs, residents, and organizations. All sectors participate. The zones are a first step in a larger approach for all of Gelderland because more is needed.
For Winterswijk, if it appears in May 2026 that enough nitrogen is reduced through the area process, no zones will be established there.