Introduction of Environmental Act postponed until 2024

The implementation of the Environment Act has been postponed again. According to Minister Hugo de Jonge for Housing and Spatial Planning, the law is now intended to take effect on January 1, 2024.

The July 1, 2023, implementation is therefore off the table. This is another setback for the law, which has already been postponed several times. According to De Jonge, the technology required for the Environment and Planning Act is now sufficiently ready. The reason for the postponement this time is that organizations that will be using the new system, such as municipalities and businesses, need at least six months to get everything in order.

Goal
The purpose of the Environment Act is to prevent the fragmentation of various spatial planning laws. These laws are important for, among other things, the transfer of real estate. This should make it easier to apply for permits.

Notarial investigation obligation
The software isn't the only issue with the new Environment and Planning Act. KNB chair Annerie Ploumen previously pointed out to De Jonge the consequences of the removal of the notarial investigation requirement for several public law restrictions upon the new Environment and Planning Act's implementation. This means that some of the notarial consumer protections will be lost. According to De Jonge, this could be resolved with a consumer brochure.