Omgevingsvisie 2022 – Province of Drenthe Strategic Spatial Vision
The Omgevingsvisie 2022 is the strategic long-term vision for the physical environment of the Province of Drenthe, Netherlands. Issued by the Provinciale Staten on September 28, 2022, this document functions as a municipal ordinance framework under the national Omgevingswet (Environment Act). It serves as an update to the 2018 vision, incorporating revised policies for industrial estates, data centers, and housing, while setting the spatial development agenda towards 2030 and beyond.
The document is structured around the mission of valuing Drenthe's kernkwaliteiten (core qualities) while facilitating a vibrant province. It governs four specific functional domains designated as Robuuste systemen (robust systems): the socio-economic system, the agricultural system, the nature system, and the water system. Within these systems, the vision integrates policy for agriculture, biodiversity, energy transition, climate adaptation, and heritage. It also defines Multifunctionele gebieden (multifunctional areas) where various functions coexist without a single dominant priority.
This vision binds the provincial authority and provides a framework for municipal spatial plans. It is operationalized through the Provinciale Omgevingsverordening (Provincial Environment Ordinance), which contains the specific binding rules for citizens and businesses.
Six Core Qualities (Kernkwaliteiten)
The province identifies six core qualities that define the identity and attractiveness of Drenthe. These elements are the starting point for all spatial developments:
- Landscape: Protection of six specific landscape types including Esdorpenlandschap, Veenkoloniën, and the UNESCO World Heritage Koloniën van Weldadigheid.
- Nature: Focus on the NNN (Natuurnetwerk Nederland) and the NND (Natuurnetwerk Drenthe) to safeguard biodiversity.
- Cultural History: Management via the CHS (Cultuurhistorische Hoofdstructuur) with two levels of steering: 'involvement in' and 'consideration of'.
- Archaeology: Conservation of the soil archive with specific protection for hunebedden and Celtic fields.
- Geological Heritage: Preservation of landforms such as pingoruïnes and stuwwallen.
- Quietness and Darkness: Protection of 12 designated silence areas and the preservation of darkness, noting that 47% of Drenthe is dark enough to see the Milky Way.
Socio-Economic Development and Housing
The vision addresses the regional housing shortage and economic growth by focusing on urban networks and digital accessibility. The province coordinates urban expansion using the Ladder voor duurzame verstedelijking (Ladder for sustainable urbanisation).
- Housing Demand: A calculated need for 10,000 to 20,000 additional homes by 2030, balancing growth in the north (Groningen-Assen) with structural decline in parts of the south.
- Urban Networks: Focus on the 'HEMA' cores (Hoogeveen, Emmen, Meppel, Assen) and 'RoBeCo' cores (Roden, Beilen, Coevorden).
- Industrial Estates: Policy for large-scale logistics and data centers, emphasizing clustering along transport corridors (A32, A28, A37).
- Retail: Restricting retail development outside designated centers to prevent vacancy and maintain the vitality of inner cities.
Agricultural and Nature Systems
Drenthe prioritizes a robust agricultural system that transitions toward circular and nature-inclusive farming. Specific thresholds are set for building plots to manage scale and quality.
- Building Plots: Land-bound agricultural businesses are generally limited to a maximum building plot (bouwvlak) of 1.5 hectares, with possibilities for expansion only under strict landscape integration conditions.
- Intensive Livestock: New establishments are excluded; expansions from 1.5 to 2 hectares are subject to improvements in animal welfare and environmental quality.
- Goat Farming Moratorium: A temporary halt on the development of goat farms is in place due to health risks (VGO report).
- Nature Network: Direct responsibility for Natura 2000 areas and the expansion of the NNN to combat nitrogen deposition and dehydration.
Energy Transition and Climate Adaptation
Drenthe aims to be completely carbon neutral by 2050. The vision outlines the spatial requirements for renewable energy production and distribution.
- Solar Energy: Preference for 'sun on roofs' (zon-op-dak), with ground-mounted solar parks restricted by municipal quotas set in the RES 1.0.
- Wind Energy: Realization of a provincial target of 285.5 MW, primarily in designated search areas within Aa en Hunze, Borger-Odoorn, Emmen, and Coevorden.
- Water Management: Focus on 'robust stream valleys' where capital-intensive functions are discouraged to provide space for peak water storage and prevent flooding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the housing target for Drenthe until 2030?
The province estimates a total housing need of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 additional homes by 2030.
What are the building plot limits for farms in Drenthe?
Land-bound agricultural companies are typically limited to a maximum building plot (bouwvlak) of 1.5 hectares, unless specific spatial quality and integration requirements are met.
Are new intensive livestock farms permitted?
No, the Omgevingsvisie 2022 excludes the establishment of new intensive livestock farms and the conversion of land-bound farms to non-land-bound intensive operations.
What noise levels are permitted in Drenthe's silence areas?
In designated silence areas (stiltegebieden), the guideline for non-natural noise sources is 35 dB(A) for the noise pressure level (Leq) and 40 dB(A) for the maximum noise level (Lmax).
Does the province allow large-scale data centers?
The province is reticent regarding hyperscale data centers and requires them to demonstrate significant regional economic and social added value to be considered.
What is the 'Ladder for sustainable urbanisation'?
It is a mandatory planning tool that requires municipalities to prove the actual need for new urban developments and to prioritize redevelopment within existing urban areas before expanding into the countryside.
