Regional spatial planning advances in the Netherlands and Belgium

In the Netherlands, a municipal council is set to decide on the commencement notes for the new residential developments of Vechtrand and Nieuw Zuthem. These projects stem from the 2025 Spatial Future Perspective, which designated these areas for housing and other developments. Following an extensive participation process involving residents and entrepreneurs, the council will consider allocating funds for preparations. Key concerns raised during consultations included traffic, accessibility, nature, and water management. If approved, research and development of various site variants will follow, with guiding decisions expected in the first quarter of 2027.

In Belgium, the Flemish Government has approved the commencement note for the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan (GRUP) regarding the Opwijk-Lievegem utility corridor. This plan aims to establish a legal planning basis for a CO2-dense connection between Eynatten and Zeebrugge. The proposed corridor spans multiple municipalities, including Opwijk, Aalst, Lebbeke, Dendermonde, Berlare, Zele, Lokeren, Lochristi, Gent, Evergem, and Lievegem. The public inspection period for the plan and process notes runs from October 13 to December 11, 2026.