Roles and responsibilities other authorities

The Netherlands has a long tradition of consultation and cooperation of government bodies, stakeholder organisations, and citizens. Within this framework, policy on national and international issues is prepared by the Ministry and forms the basis for legislation ratified by the Dutch Parliament. Policy related to the provinces and municipalities is devolved to government at these levels, closer to the people and on the principle of promoting public participation in democracy. 

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment determines policy in the national context and the provinces are responsible for translating these guidelines into the regional context. The municipalities have the power and financial means to develop and implement local policy on spatial planning and the environment. Close cooperation between all levels of government inherent in the Dutch system ensures the necessary checks and balances. 

Provincial Government
While national policy on spatial planning is determined by the Ministry, provincial government is responsible for translating these guidelines into the regional context. The 12 provincial governments develop regional policy and draw up regional plans setting out the zoning guidelines for the location and expansion of residential, industrial and commercial areas within cities, towns and villages. These plans include roads and cycle paths linking town and country. The spatial planning decisions are presented in the regional vision that provides the basis for the municipalities in the province to prepare detailed land-use plans.

Spatial planning is closely linked to environmental management policy that is directed to creating a healthy environment with clean air, water and soil by regulating emissions from road transport, industry and other sources. 

Municipal Government
Implementing national policy and strategy on spatial planning is largely decentralised to municipal government. These authorities prepare local regulations and detailed land-use plans and have both the legal and financial means to implement and enforce decisions and regulations.

The municipalities have the decisive role in detailing and implementing spatial planning throughout the country. These decisions are presented in zoning plans designating land use for residential areas, industrial estates, business parks, agricultural production, nature and other purposes. This process may involve compulsory land purchase, which is also authorised and financed by the municipalities. 

From time to time, zoning plans may go beyond the interests of one municipality requiring consultation with other municipalities. Such cases include the location of windmill parks to generate electricity, designation of nature areas and routes for transport infrastructure.