Bestemmingsplan Buitengebied Schouwen-Duiveland – Rural Land-Use Regulations
The Bestemmingsplan Buitengebied is a municipal land-use ordinance issued by the Municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland, Netherlands. Formally established on March 26, 2009, this document provides the statutory framework for all spatial developments, construction projects, and land-use activities within the municipality's rural areas. It functions under the broader Dutch planning hierarchy, dictating how specific plots can be utilized to balance agricultural productivity, residential needs, nature conservation, and recreational tourism.
The document is structured into four primary chapters across 37 articles and 11 detailed annexes. It governs diverse regulatory domains including Agrarisch (Agriculture), Bedrijf (Commercial), Wonen (Residential), Natuur (Nature), and various types of Recreatie (Recreation). A significant portion of the regulations is dedicated to the integration of Nieuwe Economische Dragers (NED's)—new economic drivers—and the strict management of intensive livestock farming (intensieve veehouderij) and greenhouse horticulture (glastuinbouw). It also includes specialized protection zones for archeologische waarden (archeological values), waterkeringen (water defenses), and molenbiotopen (windmill protection zones).
The following sections provide a structured overview of the building heights, volume restrictions, permit procedures, and environmental constraints defined within the official plan rules.
Agricultural Use and Construction
Article 3 (Agrarisch) outlines the specific rules for agricultural land, distinguishing between soil-bound and non-soil-bound businesses. Construction is generally limited to designated bouwstedes (building sites) and bouwvlakken (building plots).
- Building Plots: Agricultural building plots are typically limited to a maximum area of 1 hectare, formatted as a rectangle with a minimum side length of 60 meters.
- Residential Limits: Only one bedrijfswoning (farmhouse) is permitted per building plot, with a maximum volume of 750 m³ and a ridge height of 10 meters.
- Barns and Silos: General agricultural buildings may reach a height of 12 meters, while silos for feed are capped at 12 meters and slurry silos (sleufsilo's) at 2 meters.
- Greenhouses: Permanent teelt-ondersteunende voorzieningen (crop support structures) such as foil tunnels have a maximum height of 4 meters outside the primary building plot.
Residential and Home-Based Businesses
Article 15 (Wonen) governs existing residential properties in the rural area. The plan limits the expansion of living spaces to preserve the landscape character.
- Volume Restrictions: Houses that had a volume of 500 m³ or less at the time of the plan's adoption are capped at 500 m³; larger houses are capped at 750 m³.
- Secondary Buildings: Bijgebouwen (outbuildings) are permitted up to a maximum area of 60 m² per residential plot, with a gutter height of 3 meters and a ridge height of 6 meters.
- Home Occupations: Aan-huis-gebonden beroepen (home-based professions) are allowed provided they do not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area, with an absolute maximum of 50 m².
- Placement: All extensions, outbuildings, and swimming pools must be situated at least 3 meters behind the front building line (voorgevelrooilijn).
Recreational Facilities and Minicampings
Recreational development is strictly categorized under Articles 10, 11, and 12, focusing on day recreation, marinas, and overnight stay facilities.
- Minicampings: These are permitted on or adjacent to building plots, with a maximum of 25 pitches per location. A ratio of 110% parking spaces relative to the number of pitches is required.
- Landschapscamping: These must have a minimum area of 2 hectares and follow a 2:1 ratio of agricultural land to camping area, with a maximum of 60 pitches.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Most camping activities are prohibited during the winterseizoen (November 16 to March 1), and the placement of permanent caravans is limited to specific areas listed in Annex 9.
General Protection and Environmental Rules
Chapter III details the Algemene regels that apply across all zoning categories, including safety contours and landscape protection.
- Molenbiotoop: Within 100 meters of a protected windmill, no new buildings may be higher than the lowest point of the vertical sail. Between 100 and 400 meters, heights are calculated based on a 1/100 distance-to-height ratio.
- Waarborgingszone: Along major roads (e.g., N57, N59), a 40-meter building-free zone applies, measured from the road axis.
- Noise Contours: Article 28.6 establishes minimum distances for noise-sensitive objects (like houses or minicampings) from roads, ranging from 12 to over 200 meters depending on the road segment.
- Anti-Double Counting: Article 27 prevents land already used to justify a construction permit from being counted toward a second application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum volume allowed for a residential house in the Schouwen-Duiveland rural area?
Generally, the maximum volume is 750 m³. However, for houses that were 500 m³ or smaller at the time the plan was enacted, the limit is strictly 500 m³.
How many pitches are allowed on a minicamping site?
A minicamping is allowed a maximum of 25 pitches, provided it is located on or adjacent to a valid agricultural building plot or residential plot designated for such use.
What are the height restrictions for agricultural silos?
Feed silos (voedersilo's) can reach a maximum height of 12 meters. Pit silos (sleufsilo's) are limited to a height of 2 meters.
What is a Nieuwe Economische Drager (NED)?
A NED is a non-agricultural activity established at an active farm or a new function at a former farm, intended to provide extra economic support while preserving rural character.
Are there specific building rules near windmills in Schouwen-Duiveland?
Yes, Article 28.2 defines the molenbiotoop, which restricts building heights within 400 meters of a mill to ensure unobstructed wind flow and visibility.
What is the building-free zone along the N57 and N59 roads?
A waarborgingszone of 40 meters applies, measured from the axis of the road, where no new buildings or structures may be erected.
