The Province of Groningen remains responsible for allocating space

Groningen – In the coming decades, Groningen will continue to self-consciously guide spatial planning in its own province and put Groningen values ​​first and foremost. In our province, as far as the regional executive is concerned, national tasks go hand in hand with regional tasks and interests and have regional preconditions and principles. The Council wants to send this message to the next government.

Last year, the government announced that it would once again play a stronger role in spatial planning. The Minister of Spatial Planning then asked the provinces to submit a proposal to integrate major space claimants such as housing, energy transition and agricultural development. This proposal exists now. This is an introduction to the choices that must be made in the environmental vision.

Representative Bram Schmal: “We have written a future plan in close coordination with our municipalities, water boards and the water company. Our guidance document and detailed agreement are our starting point. The title says: “This is Groningen, precious Groningen.” The quality of our living environment is the starting point of our spatial proposal. We call that Groningen Value. This is the basic perspective, because everything we do now and in the future, must contribute to preserving and enhancing the value of Groningen. This spatial proposal has now been sent to the county council.

According to GS, it is a persistent misconception that there is a lot of space in Groningen to solve national challenges and problems. “Our cultural landscape is valuable and we are keen on it. There is no hectare in Groningen that is not already well exploited. New developments must fit into the identity of its region and must benefit the population. Widespread prosperity, safety and health of the city and Omland are important principles. The province wants Continue to develop current qualities until 2050. Water, energy and environmental space are structural factors, and spatial and landscape quality are leading.