The province of Drenthe would like to keep events and sports activities, even though stricter nitrogen and environmental regulations make this increasingly difficult. However, the province does not intend to change those rules.
Earlier this year, the National Youth Competition and King’s Cup of Mountain Bike Association Havelte and Hippisch Hooghalen were cancelled. The tightened nitrogen and environmental legislation killed them.
Six parties in the Drents Parliament want the provincial government to make efforts not to block activities because of the stricter nature standards. The BBB, Sterk Local, VVD Forum for Democracy, JA21 and PVV, together representing a majority, submitted written questions about this last month.
In a response, the province emphasizes that events must comply with applicable laws and regulations. “Not everything is possible everywhere. It is up to the owners of the sites to decide whether a location will be opened for an activity or not. By thinking carefully in advance about the location, the design of the event site and other matters that can influence being on nature, a lot is often possible. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough.”
According to the province, there is ‘close contact with municipalities about how they can help initiators further’. “In addition, we would like to develop a subsidy scheme for small events in collaboration with municipalities. This makes the costs more bearable for an initiator.”