Draft National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment A sustainable perspective for our living environment Table of contents Executive summary 4 1. About the National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment 9 1.1 A sense of urgency; a perspective for the Netherlands 9 1.2 New vision, new approach 10 1.3 A different view, different choices 10 1.4 Scope and positioning 11 1.5 Cooperation and implementation 12 1.6 Development 13 1.7 Structure of the NOVI 14 2. A future perspective 17 2.1 A climate-resilient delta 18 2.2 Sustainable, competitive and circular 20 2.3 Quality of life in towns, cities and villages 23 2.4 Proximity and reliable connections 25 2.5 Healthy and safe, recognisable and natural 28 3. National interests and tasks in the physical living environment 33 3.1 Relevance of national interests 33 3.2 National interests and tasks 33 3.3 From tasks to priorities 73 4. Setting the course 77 4.1 Consideration principles 77 4.2 From priorities to policy choices 79 4.2.1 Priority 1 Space for climate adaptation en energy transition 79 4.2.2 Priority 2 Sustainable economic growth potential 91 4.2.3 Priority 3 Strong and healthy cities and regions 105 4.2.4 Priority 4 Future-proof development of rural areas 123 5. Cooperation and practical implementation 139 5.1 How can we work together? 139 5.2 Instruments 142 5.3 Implementing the tasks of the NOVI in practice 151 Executive summary The National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment (Nationale Omgevingsvisie - NOVI) provides a sustainable perspective for our living environment (which comprises both the built and the natural environment). This strategy document will enable us to respond to the major challenges facing us. Our environment is influenced by a whole raft of trends and developments; changing and growing cities, the transition to a sustainable and circular economy and adaptation to the conse- quences of climate change are all part of the bigger picture. Although these could offer opportunities, they do call for careful choices. After all, the space available to us both above the ground and below the surface is a scarce commodity. Combining all those challenges calls for a new approach, not imposed from above, but drawn up in careful consultation between government authorities, businesses, centres of knowledge, civil society organisations and individual citizens. The NOVI offers a framework, suggests a route to be followed and, wherever possible, makes choices. At the same time, it offers space for tailor-made regional solutions and area-specific elaborations. Because the responsibility for environmental policy to a large extent lies with provinces, municipalities and water authorities, in many cases, substantive choices can best be taken at a regional level. By drawing up the NOVI, we aim to initiate a process according to which we are able to accelerate and improve the way in which choices are made in respect of our living environment. In that way, we will work together to building a more attractive and stronger Netherlands. The NOVI is part of the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet), which is expected to enter into force in 2021. The underlying principle for this new approach is that interventions in the living environment must not take place in isolation, but in combination with other interventions. This will result in better, more integrated choices in specific areas. In the North Sea, for example, we are faced with the task of installing more wind turbines. This can only be achieved if sound agreements are reached with other users. We must also think carefully about the locations where the energy generated by wind turbines is brought ashore. The most efficient choice is to offer space at locations close to large-volume energy consumers. Four priorities According to a future perspective for 2050, the NOVI presents a long-term vision. National government aims to set and maintain a course to fulfil the national interests. Those interests are clustered in four priorities: 1. Space for climate adaptation and energy transition The Netherlands must adapt to the consequences of climate change, such as sea level rise, higher volumes of water discharge via the rivers, flooding and longer periods of drought. By 2050, the Netherlands must be climate resilient and water robust. This calls for measures in the living environment, for example ensuring sufficient planting and space for water storage in our cities. A useful side effect is that these measures at the same time improve the quality of the living environment, and increase opportunities for nature. By 2050, energy supply in the Netherlands must be renewable. This requires space, for example for wind turbines and solar panels. Our preferred option is offshore wind, but onshore wind farms will also be required. By clustering these facilities as far as possible, we will prevent fragmentation across the landscape, and will ensure maximum efficiency in the use of space. At all times, the essential precondition is that local residents be fully involved and retain influence over the use, and wherever possible can also enjoy the benefits. As far as possible, we must limit the construction of solar farms in the landscape. The first preference is to install solar panels on roofs and facades. National government will reserve sufficient space for the main energy system, on a national scale. 4 | Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations 2. Sustainable economic growth potential The Netherlands is working towards becoming a sustainable, circular, knowledge-intensive and internationally competitive economy, by 2050. This will enable our country to maintain its position in the top five of most competitive countries in the world. This in turn requires good connections by road, rail, air, water and digital networks, and close collaboration with our international partners, both our immediate neighbours and other countries in Europe and across the globe, also with regard to our defence. We are aiming to achieve a solid and innovative business establishment climate, combined with good quality of life: a living environment that offers residents a full range of facilities for housing, mobility, recreation, interaction and relaxation. It is nonetheless essential that our economy becomes future-proof, in other words that it is competitive, sustainable and circular. We will focus on the use of renewable energy sources and changes in production processes so that we are no longer reliant on finite, fossil fuels. 3. Strong and healthy cities and regions New locations for housing and employment are above all needed in our cities and urban regions, preferably within existing city boundaries, so that open spaces are retained between the various urban centres. This will require optimum harmonisation and investments in mobility. At the same time, we wish to improve the quality of life and climate resilience of our towns, cities and villages. Cleaner air, sufficient green space and water and adequate public facilities where people can exercise (walk, cycle, enjoy sport and play), relax and come together. That in turn calls for excellent connectivity and accessibility, also for disabled people. We aim to ensure that the quality and security of the living environment keeps improving. This means that before new locations are selected for urbanisation, it must be clear what requirements need to be met in terms of the quality and safety of the living environment, and which additional measures are needed when these locations are chosen. This will help guarantee the health of our cities and regions. We will however not be focusing exclusively on growth. We also aim to strengthen vitality and quality of life in areas where population numbers are falling. 4. Future-proof development of rural areas A new perspective is emerging for the Dutch agricultural sector as a pioneer in sustainable cyclic agri- culture. In this form of agriculture, healthy earning potential for farms is combined with the minimum effect on the environmental quality of the air, soil and water. This approach also makes a positive contribution to improving biodiversity. Moreover, subsidence must be tackled. In certain peatland areas, water levels will have to be raised in the future. Agreements will be reached with the affected regions and users on how to bring this about, with due caution. In all cases, we will continue to develop the typical characteristics of the Dutch landscape, that represent an essential cultural historical value. Cluttering and fragmentation of the landscape, for example through the uncontrolled expansion of distribution centres, are undesirable and will also be tackled. Consideration principles The pressure on space available in the Netherlands is so considerable that interests sometimes collide. We will strive to achieve combined solutions and win-win situations, but this is not always possible. Difficult choices sometimes have to be made and in those situations interests must be balanced. The NOVI assumes three consideration principles: 1. Combinations of functions take precedence over single functions: in the past, functional separation was enforced too strictly. Within the NOVI, we will seek to ensure the maximum combination of different functions, with a view to ensuring the efficient and careful use of our space; Draft National Strategy on Spatial Planning and the Environment | 5 2. The typical characteristics and identity of an area are key points of focus: the ideal balance between protection and development, between competitiveness and quality of life differs from area to area. In some areas, certain tasks and interests are more urgent than in others; 3. The shifting of responsibilities must be prevented: it is vital that ourliving environment satisfies the wishes and needs of the current generation of residents as far as possible, without negative impact for future generations.