Dutch municipalities to gain early access to electricity grid for new housing projects

From 1 October 2026, Dutch municipalities will be able to request grid capacity earlier in the planning process for residential projects that are scheduled for completion within ten years. This change aims to streamline the provision of electricity to new housing and support the country's construction targets.

In neighbouring Belgium, guidance for environmentally‑friendly building encourages developers to incorporate habitats for birds and bats into renovation and new‑build projects. The advice includes installing nest boxes, creating openings in facades, and preserving spaces such as chimneys and crawlspaces, with the goal of protecting legally protected wildlife while improving energy efficiency.

Both initiatives highlight a shift toward coordinated planning that balances housing supply, energy infrastructure, and biodiversity protection.