Dutch government targets July 2027 for nitrogen permit exemption

The Dutch government wants to introduce a new threshold for nitrogen deposition on 1 July 2027, potentially allowing housing developments and other projects with a small impact on protected nature areas to proceed without a nitrogen-related permit.

Agriculture Minister Jaimi van Essen told parliament that calculated changes in nitrogen deposition below the threshold would no longer be considered in permit decisions. Other permits could still be required. The minister’s letter does not specify the proposed threshold.

The date is a target, not a confirmed start. In June, the government said it wanted the threshold in place as soon as possible and no later than the final quarter of 2027, but did not set a fixed date.

The government says its nitrogen targets and package of measures must be finalised before the threshold can take effect. Rules for zones around vulnerable nature areas and additional safeguards must also be formalised.

Small deposits can add up, so the safeguards are intended to prevent damaging local or regional increases. The government is working with provinces on measures including a rule to prevent successive small increases from accumulating when activities are changed.

The ANP news agency reports that legal experts fear a court could strike down the higher threshold. Van Essen says the safeguards are expected to address the legal risks.

The proposal is part of a wider nitrogen package. The government has sent parliament a bill to replace existing nitrogen targets with emissions targets for agriculture, industry and transport, alongside a draft programme of measures. The bill has not yet been passed.