New construction plans of Defense on the barracks in Havelte and Assen may be considerably delayed because the work emits too much nitrogen. Defense needs a nature permit for this and that can be problematic.
Next to the barracks are nature reserves that are sensitive to the emission of nitrogen. In the case of Assen it is about the Fochteloërveen and the Witterveld, for Havelte about the Holtingerveld. If the Ministry of Defense is going to build near these areas, nature is burdened extra.
The direct cause of the problem is a decision by the Council of State at the end of last year. As a result, nature permits are more often needed for projects that can have a negative effect on nature. The requirements for those permits are also stricter.
Nevertheless, there is a need on the barracks in Assen and Havelte to demolish and build. The intention is that the offices, vehicles and storage of material will soon be brought together in one building in both Assen and Havelte. Now that is still spread.