To prevent the quality of nature in North Brabant from deteriorating further, the province is temporarily stopping the issuance of permits that lead to additional nitrogen emissions in Natura 2000 areas. This is reported by Omroep Brabant.
The reason for the decision is the results of a so-called nature goal analysis. This is the research that every province must conduct regarding nature quality. The research shows that the quality of nature has deteriorated, prompting the province to take action.
Projects in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, industry, housing construction, as well as sustainability projects will temporarily not receive permits. Several tender projects have already been halted. The province is still mapping out the precise consequences of the decision.
How long the permit freeze will last is still unclear. Deputy Hagar Roijackers (GroenLinks) emphasizes that all sectors will be affected and describes the findings of the research as “the new reality.” The province of Brabant is therefore not waiting for the official assessment of the nature goal analysis by the Ecological Authority.
‘This is how the whole country will be locked down’
The Southern Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (ZLTO) has expressed its astonishment to the regional broadcaster regarding the province’s decision. “This locks down all of Brabant,” says Hendrik Hoeksema from ZLTO.
He fears that Brabant is just the beginning. “The other provinces will soon also come with their nature goal analysis. Most likely, the areas there have also deteriorated. What will they do then? They cannot lag behind. This is how the whole country will be locked down.”
