Nature Area Permit
The nature area permit is required for activities that could harm protected Natura 2000 sites. Since January 1, 2024, this permit falls under the Omgevingswet (Environment and Planning Act), which replaced the former Wet natuurbescherming. Activities involving nitrogen deposition, noise, light, or groundwater extraction near protected areas typically require this permit.
Applications are submitted through the Omgevingsloket. The province is usually the competent authority, though the national government handles certain cases. The assessment focuses on whether the proposed activity will cause significant adverse effects on the ecological values of the protected nature area.
Requirements
- Activity: Activities that could be harmful to protected nature areas
- Type of impact: Release of nitrogen, noise, light or groundwater extraction
- Protected area: The activity must take place in or near a protected nature area
- Impact assessment: You must demonstrate the effects on the nature area
Procedure
- Application: Submit a permit application to the province or national government
- Impact report: Include an assessment of the effects on the protected nature area
- Assessment: The application is assessed against the Nature Conservation Act (Wet natuurbescherming)
- Decision: You will receive a decision on the permit with any conditions