Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
with seeing their own region in a wider and changing relational spatial
context might help them to adapt to planning agendas at higher spatial scale
(Williams, 1996).
THE CONTEXT OF ELABORATION OF STRATEGIC SPATIAL
PLANS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: THE NETHERLANDS,
GERMANY AND ENGLAND
In this section, the spatial planning systems in the Netherlands, Germany and
England will be compared with a view to highlighting relevant aspects for the
preparation and understanding of cartographic illustrations in the different planning
traditions.
STRATEGIC SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE NETHERLANDS
According to the
Compendium
(CEC, 1997), the Dutch planning system follows the
comprehensive integrated approach, and the vertical and horizontal co-ordination of
policies with spatial impacts and of different levels of government is therefore of great
importance. Plans in the Netherlands are generally indicative and non-binding on cit-
izens (except for the
bestemmingsplan
at local level), although central government
has effectively considerable control over planning at lower levels of government due
to funding mechanisms. Co-ordination of the content and procedures of spatial plan-
ning in the Netherlands is achieved through the formal requirements for spatial plan-
ning at the three different levels (national, provincial and local) together with the
practice of informal co-operation (Kragt
et al.
, 2003).
The key legislative basis for spatial planning in the Netherlands is provided by
the 1965
Wet op de Ruimtelijke Ordening
2
(Spatial Planning Act) with its accom-
panying
Besluit op de Ruimtelijke Ordening
(decree). This legislation has the char-
acter of 'framework legislation' for the three planning levels. The Act specifies
several plans and instruments which shall provide for an integral spatial planning
approach in the Netherlands. The main instruments at different planning levels in
the Netherlands are at national level the
Planologische kernbeslissing
(key plan-
ning decision) in different forms, and at provincial level the
Streekplan
(provincial
plan). At local level, the two main planning instruments are the indicative
Structuur-
plan
(structure plan) and the binding
Bestemmingsplan
(binding local land use
plan) (see Box 4.3).
The main responsibility for national spatial planning lies with the Ministry for
Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM). The Ministry is supported
by the DG Ruimte (Directorate-General Space) and the Ruimtelijk Planbureau
(Netherlands Institute of Spatial Research).
3
The
Nota Ruimtelijke Ordening
