Space in the Netherlands is scarce: ‘The sum of all partial interests is becoming urgent’
Divergent partial interests get in each other’s way when it comes to the division of space in our country. The Netherlands is urbanizing and space is becoming scarce. But how big is the problem exactly? “The magnitude of this problem cannot be underestimated,” said Gertjan van Schoonhoven, editor of Elsevier Weekblad in WNL In de Kantine.
“The option of all partial interests is becoming dire.” Certain conflicts in space – such as the conflict between farmers and nature – are discussed, says Van Schoonhoven, and not at all. What the EW editor misses most is an overarching, national plan. “These are mainly sub-discussions that are currently being conducted.” While: “We have a fantastic tradition in the Netherlands in the field of urban planning, spatial planning and architecture.
Ministry of Abolition
One of the causes of the problem is the abolition of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, says Van Schoonhoven. “There is also a consensus in politics that the cancellation was a mistake.” As a result, you do not have a central figure and official staff, nor an entire (local) network in the Netherlands, explains Van Schoonhoven. “The current Minister of Housing, Hugo de Jonge, is mainly concerned with building houses.”
“Difficult choices will have to be made.” And not tomorrow or even later, says Van Schoonhoven. “You have to do it now.”