Castricum beach pavilions granted year-round permits

The Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK) has granted permission for beach pavilions in Castricum aan Zee to remain in place year-round. A pilot study concluded that the presence of these structures does not compromise water safety or the natural growth of the dunes, which serve as a vital barrier against flooding.

While a standard distance of 150 meters is typically required between year-round pavilions, the robust nature of the Castricum coastline allows for exceptions. Local operators, including Deining / Sports at Sea, Zoomers, Zeezicht, and Club Zand, may apply for ten-year permits starting in 2030. HHNK indicated that these permits could remain valid until at least 2040, provided the dunes remain sufficiently high and wide to protect against rising sea levels.

To maintain coastal integrity, Rijkswaterstaat continues to perform sand nourishment operations, pumping sand from the North Sea to strengthen the beaches and dunes.