Omgevingswet

One law for our living environment

The Spatial Planning Act ( Omgevingswet ) sets out the rules governing the physical living environment. This new law consolidates 26 older laws and simplifies the rules for everything you see, hear, and smell outdoors. This includes, at a minimum: land use, housing, public facilities, the environment, nature, and water. For example, it addresses where construction is permitted, where natural areas must be preserved, and where a store or business may be established. The Spatial Planning Act ( Omgevingswet ) stipulates that the municipality must make these decisions.

Four main objectives are central to this.

  • Faster and better decision-making;
  • Room for customisation;
  • The living environment at the core; EN
  • Rules are transparent and aligned with each other.

The municipality of Voorschoten will be given the opportunity to implement these objectives itself. The municipality will do this with:

  • An environmental vision on the future of the municipality;
  • A " environmental plan " containing regulations regarding the physical living environment;
  • Issuing environmental licences.

Environmental vision

The Environmental Vision describes the long-term ambitions and policy goals for the physical living environment of Voorschoten. The vision answers the question: What kind of village does Voorschoten want to be in the future and how can we achieve that future together?

The Environmental Vision elaborates on:

  • What the qualities of the living environment in Voorschoten are;
  • How planned development, use, and management contribute to the preservation and enhancement of those qualities;
  • What (integrated) policy is pursued to achieve the stated ambitions and goals.

The Environmental Vision thus touches upon various sectors such as housing, economy, environment, nature, mobility, cultural heritage, energy infrastructure, agriculture, landscape, etcetera.

Good involvement of all stakeholders (such as residents, entrepreneurs, social organisations, other levels of government) is an important success factor for a supported Environmental Vision. The creation process therefore requires a careful participation process.

The Voorschoten Municipal Council ( municipal council ) has adopted the Voorschoten Environmental Vision. We will begin drafting the Voorschoten Environmental Vision in early 2024.

Environmental plan

Where in Voorschoten can homes still be built? Can I start a business at this location? Which land is designated for roads and green spaces? What environmental considerations do I need to take into account? The “ environmental plan ” compiles all the rules governing the municipality’s land use.

Learn more about the environmental plan.

Environmental licence

An environmental permit grants you “ authorisation ” for a project. This could be a small project, such as building a roof extension or cutting down a tree. It could also be a larger project, such as demolishing and rebuilding your home or constructing a commercial building.

Would you like to know if you need an environmental licence?
Then check the licencechecker of the Environment Desk.

Do you need help?

Do you have any questions or need assistance? Please feel free to contact us via bouwen@voorschoten.NL.

Coverage area neighbours , and the surrounding area

When making plans, it is wise and in some cases even mandatory to involve local residents and businesses. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss your plans with people in the surrounding area in advance. We call this participation.

View the participation guidelines      

To help you with this, we have provided Participation Guidelines. This ensures that no one is faced with unexpected surprises.

Environment Desk

Here you will find all the regulations regarding the physical environment in Voorschoten. At this service desk, you can check whether you need a “ licence ” and apply for one right away.

The Environment Desk consists of three components

  1. Permit Check: You can check here to see if you need a building permit ( licence ) or must file a notice for your project.
  2. Permit Applications: Here you can apply for a " licence " or file a report directly online.
  3. Rules on the Map : On a digital Map , you can see which rules apply at your chosen location in the municipality of Voorschoten.

Quality Assurance for Building Act (Wkb)

Building under quality assurance

Are you planning to build? In some cases, in addition to a building permit ( licence ), you must also file a construction notice. You can find out more at the Omgevingsloket website: .

If you are required to submit a building notification, you will need a quality assurance provider. A quality assurance provider assesses whether your construction work meets these technical requirements.

Want to know more?

Do you have questions or want to know more? Additional information can be found on the website of the Information Point for the Living Environment. Are you unable to find what you are looking for? Please contact us via bouwen@voorschoten.NL.