To provide practical guidance for citizens and authorities wishing to participate in construction projects close to the border, the Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Planning (NDCRO) now presents a new brochure. This brochure was made possible in part by the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland Programme together with its programme partners and co-financed by the European Union, under the title ‘RuimteKompas: Orientation in the Border Region’.
The energy transition with its associated operational challenges (power plants, pipelines and wind turbines), adjustments to traffic flows through the construction of a new road, or odour emissions from intensive livestock farming: in border regions, the consequences of such developments are often not limited to one country.
The brochure is intended as a practical guide and provides a clear explanation of the complex German and Dutch systems of laws and governmental layers. Based on concrete examples, it offers insight into the opportunities for public participation available to citizens regarding developments in the border region. In addition, the brochure contains extensive explanations of key legal concepts and clear flowcharts of spatial planning and approval procedures. The brochure is available in German with explanations of the Dutch system, and in Dutch with explanations of the German system.
With this new brochure, an update of the first edition from 2014, the commission responds to recent legislative changes and current developments. The brochure helps citizens and authorities to better understand Dutch and German regulations and their rights regarding spatial developments, thereby making participation in practice easier.
What is the NDCRO?
The Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Planning (NDCRO) promotes cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany in the field of spatial planning. The commission coordinates spatially relevant plans and measures — particularly in the border region — and discusses cross-border spatial planning issues.
The brochure can be downloaded below:
