By managing species protection more intelligently, it becomes easier to build, and the living environment of protected animal species improves. This is what the BATMAN project is about. BATMAN stands for: Building Acceleration through Future-Oriented Method for Nature Inclusivity Approach. South Holland signs a letter of intent with housing corporations De Goede Woning, Stedelink, and Vidomes to test this in practice.
Getting started faster is the great wish of almost everyone when it comes to housing construction. An experiment in the Zoetermeer neighborhood of Buytenwegh should show whether the BATMAN project makes this possible in practice.
Currently, a lot of time and money is spent each year to comply with nature regulations under the Environmental Law. Unfortunately, the current way of working appears to work well on paper, but proves to be less favorable in practice. Not only do intensive research methods sometimes cause delays in construction, but the animals themselves are not always better protected.
Turning it Around
The various social landlords in the Haaglanden region (SVH) and the province of South Holland have therefore joined forces. With the BATMAN project, the working method is turned around. Even before construction properly begins, an ecologist is appointed to preserve and, where possible, improve the habitats of protected animals. This makes the construction process more predictable, faster, and cheaper, while also preserving or improving the habitats of the animals.
“We all see that it can be better,” explains provincial administrator Anne Koning. “We are convinced that it will be better this way.” Aniel Ramawadh from Vidomes is also enthusiastic. “This can really make a huge difference; in the Haaglanden region alone, 7 million goes to the Nature Protection Act each year.”
“We also find the protection of animals and their habitats important,” says Marion Timmermans from Stedelink. “But if you think it can be more efficient and better, then you should try it.” That is exactly why Mariëtte Heemskerk signs on behalf of De Goede Woning: “With this, we help people, animals, and nature. And with a little luck, also our wallets.”
The project runs until next year. In the meantime, it is already being considered whether the experiment can also be started at another location. In South Holland, there is a huge need for good and affordable houses. To build nearly a quarter of a million homes by 2030, of which 2/3 are affordable, the province, corporations, builders, and municipalities are looking for all possible ways to ensure that those homes are built quickly.
