Beleidsplan Archeologie gemeente Bloemendaal – Archaeological Policy and Heritage Framework
The Beleidsplan Archeologie for the municipality of Bloemendaal serves as the official framework for managing the local archaeological soil archive (bodemarchief). Developed in collaboration with the archaeological consultancy Past2Present, this document fulfills requirements set by the Wet op de archeologische monumentenzorg (Wamz), which came into effect on 1 September 2007. It provides a structured methodology for balancing heritage preservation with spatial development and economic feasibility within the municipal boundaries.
The policy applies to all spatial planning activities within the municipality, including the drafting of new zoning plans (bestemmingsplannen) and the issuance of environmental permits (omgevingsvergunningen). Its scope covers various landscape types such as the Jonge Duinen (Younger Dunes), old beach ridges (strandwallen), and historic estates (buitenplaatsen). Key regulatory instruments established by this document include the Archeologische waarden- en verwachtingenkaart (Archaeological Values and Expectations Map) and a set of quantitative research thresholds based on area size and disturbance depth.
This document defines the roles of the municipality, developers, and archaeological experts in the AMZ-proces (Archaeological Heritage Management process). It outlines the legal basis for the 'polluter pays' principle and establishes specific conditions under which archaeological preliminary research is mandatory for developers and private property owners.
Legal Framework and the Valletta Convention
The policy is rooted in the Verdrag van Valletta (Malta Convention) of 1992, which aims to protect European archaeological heritage from destruction due to economic development. The central objective is behoud in situ, or the preservation of remains in their original location. When preservation in the ground is not feasible, the policy mandates behoud ex situ through professional excavation.
- Verstoorder-betaalt: The principle that the party causing ground disturbance is responsible for the costs of archaeological research and potential excavation.
- Wamz (2007): The legislative act integrating archaeology into the Dutch spatial planning process via the Monumentenwet 1988.
- Provincial Role: The province of Noord-Holland maintains a cultural-historical values map (CHW) and focuses on preserving the readability of the landscape history, specifically in the Belvederegebied Zuid-Kennemerland.
Quantitative Thresholds for Research
Bloemendaal utilizes a matrix of quantitative standards to determine when an initiator must conduct archaeological research. These thresholds vary based on the expected archaeological value of a specific zone as indicated on the beleidskaart.
- High Expectation Zones: Research is required for disturbances exceeding 250 m².
- Medium-High Expectation Zones: Research is required for disturbances exceeding 250 m² (specifically for lower-lying areas with former parklands or laundries).
- Medium Expectation Zones: Research is required for disturbances exceeding 500 m².
- Low Expectation Zones: Research is only required for disturbances exceeding 1000 m² and a depth of more than one meter.
- Dune Areas: For the Jonge Duinen, disturbances deeper than 5.5 m above NAP (Normal Amsterdam Peat) exceeding 250 m² are subject to research requirements.
Archaeologically Valuable Areas and Custom Measures
Certain areas require a higher level of protection due to known historical significance. For these zones, the municipality applies stricter 'custom' (maatwerk) thresholds to ensure that even smaller interventions do not unintentionally damage the soil archive.
- Historic Cores and AMK Sites: A research threshold of 100 m² applies, with a maximum allowed disturbance depth of 30 cm.
- Municipal Find Spots: For disturbances within a 30-meter radius of significant municipal archaeological sites, research is mandatory for any intervention larger than 3 m².
- Water Systems: Disturbances in existing water bodies such as duinrellen (dune streams) and ditches are subject to the same thresholds as the surrounding land.
Implementation in Zoning and Permits
Archaeological requirements are legally anchored through planregels (zoning rules) and the local monumentenverordening (monuments ordinance). The document provides standardized templates for archaeological double-destinations (dubbelbestemmingen) in new zoning plans.
- Waarde - Archeologie 1 to 6: Specific categories used in zoning plans to label land based on its archaeological regime.
- Bouwverbod: The authority of the Mayor and Aldermen to deny building permits if archaeological values are insufficiently established or protected.
- Sloopvergunning: Demolition permits may include conditions for professional archaeological guidance during the removal of foundations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an archaeological report required for building in Bloemendaal?
A report is required if the proposed construction exceeds the area threshold (e.g., 250 m² in high-expectation zones) and reaches a depth where archaeological remains are expected, typically 30 cm in sensitive areas.
What is the maximum allowed depth without a permit in historic cores?
In historic cores and AMK sites, the maximum allowed disturbance depth without archaeological intervention is 30 cm below ground level.
Who pays for archaeological research in Bloemendaal?
Under the 'polluter pays' principle, the initiator of the project or the permit applicant is responsible for the costs of research and any necessary excavations.
Are small sheds or greenhouses exempt from archaeological research?
Small structures are often exempt if they fall below the municipal thresholds, such as interventions under 100 m² in historic areas or 250 m² in high-expectation zones.
What is the 'AMZ-proces' mentioned in the document?
The Archeologische Monumentenzorg (AMZ) process is a phased approach consisting of desk research, field surveys (boring/test trenches), evaluation, and finally a selection decision for preservation or excavation.
How are the Younger Dunes (Jonge Duinen) regulated?
Disturbances in the Younger Dunes are research-mandatory if they exceed 250 m² and take place at a depth lower than 5.5 meters above NAP.
What happens if archaeological remains are found during demolition?
If significant remains are discovered during demolition or construction, they must be reported immediately to the municipal authorities, and further work may be subject to archaeological guidance.
