Scraps of Greenery

The municipality of Voorschoten is launching the “Snippergroen” project. “Snippergroen” refers to small strips of public green space directly adjacent to a garden or home. With this project, the municipality aims to clarify the use and ownership of municipal land and establish a system in which all residents pay the same amount per square meter. Residents who wish to use snippergroen can purchase this land, or in some cases rent it, provided the land meets the guidelines established for this purpose.

Use and Rules for Snippergroen

Over the years, some residents have incorporated small patches of green space into their own gardens. This often happens without them realizing it. The land was already incorporated into the garden at the time the home was purchased. Or the property line may have shifted unnoticed during garden maintenance. In addition, there are residents who entered into a usage agreement with the municipality in the past. They pay a nominal fee for the use of the land. Due to new legislation, the municipality is no longer permitted to grant the use of land below cost. Furthermore, it is not desirable for some residents to pay for municipal land while others pay little or nothing. With this project, the municipality aims to clarify the use and ownership of municipal land and to standardize the rules for all residents.

How does it work?

If you are using a small plot of land without owning it, you will be personally informed about this project. You will receive a letter from the municipality asking you to indicate whether you are interested in purchasing or renting the plot of land you are currently using. Once you have indicated your interest, we will conduct an internal assessment to determine whether the land is eligible for sale. We do this based on specific evaluation criteria. Among other things, we consider future plans and developments, as well as the presence of cables and utility lines. If purchasing or renting the land is not possible or desirable, the municipality will ask you to clear the land.

Neighborhood-Focused Approach

The “Snippergroen” project will be implemented on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis. The municipality is currently busy preparing for this project. The exact start date and the corresponding schedule have not yet been announced. More information will be available on this page in due course. Those directly affected will, of course, be notified personally.

Who can buy scrap green?

The municipality operates on the “yes, provided that” principle. This means that all homeowners can purchase small plots of green space, provided that the land meets the rules and conditions established for this purpose. These are set forth in Land Policy Memorandum 217-20201 (which remains in effect as of 2024).