The province is working on a future-proof living environment. Therefore, the Environmental Vision and Regulation are being tightened. This creates space for large-scale housing, a sustainable energy system, agriculture that remains strong in the future, restoration and expansion of nature (including nitrogen reduction), and a future-proof water and soil system. 

Deputy Huib van Essen: With this vision and regulation, we prepare Utrecht for the future. Various functions are cleverly combined. We bring water, soil, nature, agriculture, energy, accessibility, living, working, recreation, health, heritage, and culture together in one livable province, for current and future residents.

Scarce space requires sharp choices

The Environmental Vision describes developments for the next 25 years and how scarce space can best be used. Because not everything can be done everywhere, the province makes conscious choices to carefully manage scarce space and allow multiple functions to coexist in one place. Elements of great value are preserved and strengthened. 

The previous Environmental Vision was adopted in 2021; due to new insights and urgent challenges such as housing, grid congestion, and nature restoration, changes are now needed on various topics. Water, soil, and climate play a greater role in where developments can and cannot take place.

Housing, green and rural areas

The province wants sufficient affordable housing, with extra attention for the elderly, starters, and people with care needs. Housing within existing cities and villages near public transport hubs is encouraged. For the total housing task, some large-scale locations are needed, such as the Rijnenburg polder near Utrecht.

Through Green Grows Along, the province ensures that recreational greenery, nature, water, and landscape develop along with housing. Through the Utrecht Rural Area Program, work is done on nature restoration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in peat meadow areas, more sustainable agriculture, and water storage.

More conscious use of energy and raw materials

The province creates space for wind and solar energy, high-voltage stations, energy storage, heating networks, and energy hubs at industrial sites. Energy saving is also encouraged to make the energy system more sustainable and reliable. Grid congestion currently hinders housing and business development; therefore, the province focuses on grid-aware building and works with grid operators and developers on expansion and smarter use of energy infrastructure.

The province wants to stimulate companies that reuse and recycle raw materials and products. Industrial sites with enough space and good accessibility, including by water, are needed. Lage Weide (Utrecht), De Biezen (Vianen), and Langshaven (Wijk bij Duurstede) are specifically designated for this.

Consultation possible until 16 February 2026

The draft amendment Environmental Vision and Regulation are available for inspection from 6 January. Residents, entrepreneurs, governments, and organizations can respond to the documents until 16 February. See the Inspection page: Inspection | Province of Utrecht.

For press information:
lotte.mulders@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 25 06 62