News item | 26-01-2023 | 6:00 PM
The Environment and Planning Act can start responsibly and carefully. The underlying digital system is technically sufficiently ready and does not constitute an obstacle to its introduction. This is shown by a third series of intensive tests that have been validated by an external party. The government, the business community and the umbrella organizations of provinces, municipalities and water boards consider it essential that the Senate and the House of Representatives decide quickly on the effective date. The national government, local governments and the business community are unanimous in their support for implementation as of 1 January 2024.
Minister De Jonge (Public Housing and Spatial Planning) wrote this today in a letter to both Houses of Parliament. The Royal Decree that regulates the implementation of the Environment and Planning Act as of 1 January 2024 has today been brought into procedure by the minister in both Chambers. The target date agreed last autumn for implementation as of 1 July this year is no longer an issue.
Taking crucial steps
Rapid certainty about the implementation date is crucial for all those involved to carefully take the last steps in setting up the work processes and retaining knowledge and personnel. Initiators also need certainty about the applicable laws and regulations during planning and permit granting processes.
Minister De Jonge further writes that the starting date of January 1, 2024 does justice to the wish of the VNG and the business community to have at least six months of adjustment time between the final determination of the implementation date of the Environment and Planning Act and the actual implementation. This period ensures a careful entry into force.
Less regulatory pressure
Central government, fellow governments and the business community emphasize that the Environment and Planning Act is of great importance for tackling urgent tasks in the areas of housing, infrastructure, agriculture, nature and climate.
The Environment and Planning Act bundles a multitude of laws and regulations for our living environment in one law. Procedures are streamlined. There will be a single digital counter where consumers and companies can check which rules apply and whether applying for a permit is necessary. The Environment and Planning Act and the digital system facilitate more integrated decision-making with less regulatory pressure in services to consumers and businesses.
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