Commissioned by the Dutch-German Commission for Spatial Development, ITEM contributed to the preparation of the brochure Spatial Developments and Citizen Participation in the Dutch-German Border Region. For this project, a consortium was formed consisting of ITEM, the University of M\u00fcnster, and the design agency Zuiderlicht. <\/p>\n\n
The brochure consists of two parts: one explaining the Dutch system in German and one explaining the German system in Dutch. On behalf of ITEM, Martin Unfried and Pim Mertens worked on the brochure and were responsible for describing the Dutch system for German citizens in German. With the introduction of the new Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), many aspects of the Dutch system have changed, which remain largely unfamiliar to German citizens and authorities. The project involved close collaboration with Prof. Susan Grotefels and Justus Keitel of the Central Institute for Spatial Planning (Zentralinstitut f\u00fcr Raumplanung) at the University of M\u00fcnster. The German colleagues were responsible for describing the German system for Dutch citizens in Dutch. Throughout the project, ITEM and the University of M\u00fcnster engaged in extensive discussions on appropriate practical examples, translations, and explanations. It was decided to retain many terms in their original language, as translations can often lead to misunderstandings. For the design and visual presentation of the brochure, the universities were supported by the Maastricht-based design agency Zuiderlicht. <\/p>\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n
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 \u2014 particularly in the border region \u2014 and discusses cross-border spatial planning issues. <\/p>\n\n
The brochure can be downloaded below:<\/p>\n