The introduction of the Environment and Regional Planning Act is being postponed again. The law was due to come into force on January 1, but Minister De Jonge for Housing and Spatial Planning has postponed it by six months.

The law aims to make it easier to apply for and obtain a permit, for example to build a house. The Environment and Planning Act brings together dozens of existing laws and regulations, including in the areas of noise, soil and the environment. It is considered one of the largest legislative projects in parliamentary history.

ICT problems

The law was already passed by the House of Representatives in 2015 and by the Senate in 2016, but its entry into force has been postponed several times, mainly due to implementation problems in the ICT area. The Advisory Board for ICT Testing called it a dilemma this week as to whether the law should be introduced on January 1st. According to the college, there are still significant restrictions that pose risks. In addition, there was a threat in the Senate that support for entry into force on January 1st would dwindle.

In a letter to the Senate, De Jonge now writes that a lot of progress has been made, but that he is taking six months more time. “That can be used for further testing and practice.” He also wants to use this time to give provinces and municipalities more support. The currently planned implementation date is therefore July 1, 2023.