Omgevingsvisie Zuid-Holland – Strategic Spatial Vision for the Physical Environment
The Omgevingsvisie Zuid-Holland is the central strategic framework established by the Province of Zuid-Holland under the national Omgevingswet (Environment Act), which came into force on January 1, 2024. This statute serves as the long-term vision for the physical environment of the province until 2050. It operates as one of three primary policy instruments, alongside the Omgevingsprogramma (Environment Program) and the Omgevingsverordening (Environment Regulation), providing a simplified and integrated approach to spatial planning, environmental protection, and regional development.
The document governs a wide array of regulatory domains including housing, energy transition, accessibility, nature conservation, and economic spatial strategy. It introduces specific structural elements such as the Ruimtelijke koers (Spatial Course) for strategic decision-making and the 3-hectare map, which identifies significant urban developments outside existing built-up areas. The vision is structured around seven core ambitions, supported by a modular Beleidscyclus (Policy Cycle) that allows for regular updates via the Lange Termijn Agenda (LTA) Omgevingsbeleid.
This vision provides the mandatory framework for municipal planning and water board management within the province, emphasizing a governance philosophy of providing provincial added value through a 'local unless' (decentraal, tenzij) approach.
Governance and Sturing Philosophy
The Province of Zuid-Holland acts as a regional authority and partner, positioning itself between municipal boards and the national government. The governance model is based on the principle of Lever meerwaarde (Providing added value), where the province only intervenes if a provincial interest is at stake that cannot be effectively managed at the municipal level.
- Responsive Government: Leaving initiatives to society wherever possible.
- Collaborative Government: Networking and directing where cooperation is required.
- Realizing Government: Delivering direct provincial performance for essential investments.
- Lawful Government: Deploying statutory powers for normative intervention.
Housing and Sustainable Urbanization
The province aims to add approximately 248,000 dwellings to the housing stock between 2022 and 2030. This growth is managed through the Ladder voor duurzame verstedelijking (Ladder for Sustainable Urbanization), which prioritizes building within existing urban areas and near high-quality public transport hubs.
- Social Housing: A target for every municipality to grow toward a stock of at least 30% social rental housing.
- Affordability: At least two-thirds of new housing must be 'affordable', with at least one-third designated specifically as social rental.
- 3-Hectare Rule: Large-scale developments exceeding 3 hectares outside existing urban areas must be included in the provincial 3-ha kaart before planning can proceed.
- Flexwonen: Use of temporary housing solutions for urgent seekers, such as permit holders and students.
Energy Transition and Circular Industry
Zuid-Holland targets a 55% CO2 reduction by 2030 and full climate neutrality by 2050. The strategy involves scaling up renewable energy production through seven Regionale Energiestrategieën (RES) regions.
- Renewable Energy: A goal to generate 6.3 to 6.8 TWh of solar and wind energy by 2030.
- Local Ownership: Large-scale solar and wind projects must aim for at least 50% local ownership.
- Heat Transition: Development of regional heat networks to utilize industrial waste heat and geothermal energy for residential and greenhouse heating.
- Circular Economy: Reducing the consumption of primary raw materials by 50% by 2030.
Spatial Quality and Heritage
The province maintains a high standard for spatial quality based on three values: Toekomstwaarde (future value), Gebruikswaarde (user value), and Belevingswaarde (perception value). Developments are classified into three protective categories.
- Category 1: High-protection areas like Natuurnetwerk Nederland (NNN) and Kroonjuwelen Cultureel Erfgoed (Heritage Crown Jewels).
- Category 2: Important meadow bird areas, recreation areas, and green buffers between cities.
- Heritage Lines: Seven specific lines including the Atlantikwall, Neder-Germaanse Limes, and the Oude Hollandse Waterlinie.
Water and Climate Adaptation
Under the principle of Water en Bodem Sturend (Water and Soil Steering), spatial choices are dictated by the natural characteristics of the subsurface and water systems. This is critical for managing land subsidence and flood risks.
- Peat Subsidence: Specific strategies for the Veenweidegebieden (peat meadow areas) to reduce CO2 emissions from oxidation and mitigate damage to foundations.
- Flood Safety: Multi-layered safety approach involving prevention through dikes and climate-adaptive urban design.
- Drinking Water: Protection of strategic groundwater reserves and extraction points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the social housing target for municipalities in Zuid-Holland?
Every municipality must strive to have at least 30% social rental housing in its total housing stock, with a province-wide goal of adding 100,000 social rental units by 2030.
How are large urban developments outside existing areas regulated?
Developments larger than 3 hectares outside existing urban areas must be approved by the province and listed on the '3 ha-kaart' in the Omgevingsverordening.
What are the renewable energy production goals for 2030?
Zuid-Holland aims to produce between 6.3 and 6.8 TWh of electricity through solar and wind energy by 2030.
What does 'Water and Soil Steering' mean for spatial planning?
It means that the characteristics of water systems and soil (like peat subsidence or flood risk) are treated as leading factors when deciding where and how to build.
What is the 'Ladder for Sustainable Urbanization'?
It is a mandatory assessment tool used to ensure that new urban developments first utilize existing built-up space and infrastructure before expanding into greenfield sites.
What percentage of local ownership is required for large energy projects?
The province mandates a minimum of 50% local ownership (mede-eigenaarschap) for large-scale solar and wind projects to ensure local participation and benefits.
How does the province protect cultural heritage?
Through the designation of 'Kroonjuwelen' (Heritage Crown Jewels) and the management of 'Erfgoedlijnen' (Heritage Lines) which represent significant historical and geographical narratives.
What is the goal for circular material use by 2030?
The province aims to reduce the use of primary fossil, mineral, and metal raw materials by 50% compared to previous levels.
