Regional spatial planning in the Netherlands and Belgium

Spatial planning initiatives are progressing in the Netherlands and Belgium, focusing on residential development, infrastructure, and demographic needs.

In the Netherlands, municipal councils are moving forward with residential projects such as Vechtrand and Nieuw Zuthem, following the 2025 Spatial Future Perspective. These developments follow resident consultations regarding traffic, nature, and water management. Additionally, municipalities in the Kop van Noord-Holland region have launched a vision to address demographic shifts through 2040, aiming to provide 2,585 additional homes for seniors and integrate housing with local healthcare services. Efforts to improve the social quality of high-rise developments through ‘Friendly Urbanization’ are also being discussed in cities like Deventer and Apeldoorn.

In Belgium, the Flemish Government has approved a commencement note for the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan regarding the Opwijk-Lievegem utility corridor. This plan establishes a legal basis for a CO2-dense connection between Eynatten and Zeebrugge, spanning several municipalities.