There have been construction fences around the Binnenhof for a year now. The surrounding streets in the city center of The Hague were broken up to check cables and pipes, and then closed again. Façades and foundations have been inspected, an asbestos check has been carried out. Archaeologists have found, among other things, the foundation of a medieval wall for the Ridderzaal and a flawless jug from 1280.
But the real renovation of the Binnenhof, and in particular of the House of Representatives building, has yet to begin. There will also be a new public entrance. The entire renovation project will certainly last until 2026.
Or will that be longer?
Nitrogen halving
On Friday morning, Mobilization for the Environment (MOB) submitted a request to the province of South Holland to halt the renovation of the Binnenhof. According to Johan Vollenbroek’s environmental group, which was one of the founders of the procedure that forced the State to adhere to its own nitrogen halving, the renovation does not comply with the rules.
Also read a portrait of John Vollenbroek
This has to do with a ruling on 2 November by the Council of State. Construction companies used an exemption for nitrogen emissions in order to be able to continue building after the Nitrogen Approach Program (PAS) had fallen. This includes the Central Government Real Estate Agency for the construction and demolition phase of the Binnenhof. However, the highest administrative court declared that exemption non-binding, following an appeal that was also filed by MOB.
Now that the exemption is no longer in force, construction companies must separately bring their own nitrogen emissions for each construction project for a permit application. And no nature permit has been applied for for the Binnenhof, according to the MOB. Hence a request for enforcement to the province of South Holland, the supervisor of permits.
Permit is ‘conceivable’
A spokesman for the province agrees that no nature permit has been applied for, and that it is “conceivable” that one will be needed. However, she also says that “work that does not lead to a negative impact on Natura 2000 protected areas” can be carried out without a permit.
According to her, it is the responsibility of the Central Government Real Estate Agency to estimate whether a nature permit is required. That examines “what the verdict [van de Raad van State, red.] means in relation” to the Binnenhof renovation. Until that investigation is completed, and it is clear whether a permit is required, it is impossible to say whether the renovation will be delayed. Until this is clear, you can continue working.
In a progress report about the renovation, the Central Government Real Estate Agency writes “that given its nature, the project has a high risk profile”, which could put pressure on planning and financing.
MOB chairman Vollenbroek is not so much concerned with the emissions from this specific construction project, he says. “Politicians are seriously failing when it comes to solving the nitrogen crisis.” In its press release, MOB writes that companies have higher nitrogen emissions, but “if even Minister De Jonge [van Volkshuisvesting, red.] If you don’t set a good example, we will never solve the nitrogen crisis.” Vollenbroek especially hopes that MPs feel more urgency when the renovation of their own workplace is at stake.
Also read a reconstruction of how the renovation was decided: You don’t just rebuild the maze of democracy