The introduction of the Environmental Act is again postponed Inland

The law simplifies the rules for spatial planning and living environment. With the advent of the Environmental Act, 26 laws are being merged. The new law should lead to faster procedures, for example to obtain a permit for a renovation.

However, the corona crisis is not the only problem for the introduction of the Environmental Act. There are also problems with ICT. Research shows that before the introduction of the digital counter (DOS) for municipalities for applications for permits, ‘a lot of steps still have to be taken’, according to the minister.

Software delay

But there are other reasons for procrastination. For example, there is a delay in the acquisition of local software. Critics of the bill fear legal chaos and high costs. Nor would it be made more transparent by the proposed legislation.

The introduction of the new law is a huge operation for municipalities, provinces and water boards. Van Veldhoven wants to give them “a clear signal” by now giving these governments the space to focus on combating the coronavrius.

She will consult with municipalities, among others, about a new date. “I would like to emphasize that it is not about whether the system comes into effect, but when,” she writes to the House of Representatives. The original plan was for the law to enter into force as early as 2018.

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