News item | 04-02-2025 | 14:43
The big rivers play an important role in the water safety of the Netherlands. The Rhine, Waal, Maas, Lek and IJssel are catching large amounts of rainwater more and more often as a result of more extremeer. These rivers need the space for that. Because there was still room for undesirable spatial developments in parts of the river bed, such as residential areas, holiday parks and even hospitals, Minister Madlener (Infrastructure and Water Management) has updated the policy line large rivers (BGR). As a result, we retain enough space for water storage and drainage, we prevent new activities or objects from making future river widings more difficult or more expensive and unnecessary damage to residents and entrepreneurs is prevented.
In July 2021, Limburg was hit by extremely high water, where the Maas and its tributaries occurred outside their banks and caused considerable damage. This event underlined the need to give large rivers the space and thus better prepare for the effects of more extreme. The update of the Large Rivers Policy Line is part of the Government Program.
Minister Madlener: “The Netherlands is of course a real Waterland. Water safety is at the basis of everything we do and develop on a ‘very small piece of earth’. That means that we have to give our rivers the space to absorb and remove surplus rainwater. With the adjustment that we are making now, we give the big rivers the opportunity to continue to perform this important task for us. In this way we build a safe, liveable and future -proof river area. “
From ‘yes’ to ‘no unless’
From 1 February, it applies to all areas in the river bed where a BGR permit is required unless’. This means that the river in these places is given priority over part of the potential future development plans – for example, large -scale housing or the construction of holiday parks. Projects that have already been advanced or about which agreements have been made with the government fall under the transitional arrangement and may continue under the old rules. Nothing changes in the areas that were permit -free. These are areas where not the government but provinces and municipalities determine how and what is being built.
Carefully balanced developments
Also under the new policy line there is room for carefully balanced developments, such as: river -bound activities, activities of great social importance, activities for the benefit of land -bound agricultural companies and making the energy supply more sustainable. In addition, small and temporary and activities remain possible, such as demolition and rebuilding of existing structures, annual events, depots for dyke improvement projects. Due to a 10%expansion scheme, there will be development space for existing buildings. Activities of secondary importance also remain possible. This includes, for example, roofs and shelters, earthmoving, planting, property boundaries, fencing and grids.
Continue to invest in a future -proof river area
In the coming years, important choices must be made to make the river system future -proof and to better prepare the Netherlands for more extreme weather conditions. By investing in smart management and adjustments in the regulations, we are building a safe and robust river area for all residents and other stakeholders. The update of the Large Rivers Policy Line is an important step in this.