Province of Noord-Brabant: applying for a permit for an activity on a Natura 2000 site
Without a permit, you are not allowed to carry out activities that could affect the quality of a Natura 2000 nature conservation area. This also applies to damaging, deteriorating or disrupting the habitats of plant and animal species in the area.
In some cases, you do not need to apply for a permit. There is no permit requirement for, for example:
- fishing activities
- nitrogen emissions resulting from activities during the construction phase of a structure
- activities that are part of the management plan of a Natura 2000 nature conservation area
- activities that are part of a programme with the aim of:reducing damage to a Natura 2000 nature conservation area
- protecting wild animals and wild plants and improving their habitats It is important that the impact on a Natura 2000 nature conservation area remains as small as possible. If the impact is high, you are required to apply for a permit.
If your activity has an impact on a Natura 2000 nature conservation area, but there are no other consequences for the environment, you must apply to the province for an environmental permit for a ‘Natura 2000 activity’.
Does your activity also affect the environment in other ways? In that case, you usually apply for a permit from the municipality. For example, when building near a Natura 2000 nature conservation area. In that case, the municipality will request a declaration of no objection from the provincial authorities for the part of your permit that concerns the impact on a Natura 2000 nature conservation area.
You must apply for a permit if:
- you want to carry out a project or activities that may have an adverse effect on a Natura 2000 nature conservation area. For example, you want to expand your camping site that is located right next to a Natura 2000 nature conservation area.
- it is not certain in advance that your activities will not harm the quality of natural habitats.
- it is not certain in advance that your activities will not disturb the plant and animal species in the area.
- these activities are not exempt in a management plan or regulation as referred to in the Living Environment (Activities) Decree.
Consult in advance with the province in which your activities (for the most part) take place. If necessary, also consult with the municipality and nature organisations. This increases the chances of the provincial authorities approving your permit application. This at the same time reduces the risk of someone objecting to your application.
This is how you apply for a permit:
- Go to the online Omgevingsloket (in Dutch). This is the service counter for environmental and planning permits.
- Do the permit check.
- You will be told whether you need to apply for a permit. You can do this right away.
- Log in.
Permits for activities with consequences for a Natura 2000 nature conservation area are subject to an extensive procedure. This means stakeholders will be given the opportunity to respond to your plans. In addition, the provincial authorities sometimes also have to further investigate the impact on the environment. It takes an average of six months before the provincial authorities can take a final decision on your permit application.
As part of the extensive procedure, those who responded to the application and draft permit can object to the decision on your application within 6 weeks. If you do not agree with the decision following your objection, you can appeal to the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State within 6 weeks.
You did not receive a response within the 6-week appeal period? In that case, the permit is final.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Province of Noord-Brabant