Province of Utrecht: applying for a permit for an activity on a Natura 2000 site

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 with the provincial authorities in advance and, if necessary, 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:

• for yourself: with DigiD

• on behalf of a company: with eHerkenning

You apply for the permit from the authorities in the province in which your activities (largely) take place.

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.