4. Implementation and monitoring

Under the Omgevingswet the environmental vision can be modified at any time. Thus, the vision does not have a fixed end date. This is different from the current Environment Vision 2015 - 2030, which was adopted under the Wro in 2015. There is room to adjust the vision at any time - in its entirety or in parts - if necessary or desired. The municipality is free to make choices in this regard.

Policy cycle

4.1 Securing future adaptation and/or updating of environmental vision

In a general sense, a flexible outline Environment Vision gives more room to anticipate social changes than a detailed vision. For this reason, this Environment Vision has a flexible approach.
The municipality is therefore free to revise the vision in whole or in part. As far as we are concerned, revision is the order of the day, if there is reason to do so:

  1. From policy cycle
  2. From monitoring and evaluation
  3. In social developments

If the vision conflicts with amended regulations of other governments (e.g., those of the state or province), there is no choice. Adjustment is necessary and the vision is then adjusted on these parts. In such a case, participation is not necessary; the change is imposed. Of course, good information and communication is important in this case. 

We anticipate that the provincial area plan for nitrogen reduction will be a direct reason to amend this environmental vision.
 

4.2 The policy cycle

An environmental vision is one of the tools used by the municipality in the implementation of the Omgevingswet. Together with environmental programs , environmental plan, and environmental permit, the environmental vision forms the municipal framework and a set of rules for implementation. The picture below shows that these instruments are not static. The instruments work together and complement each other. 

By performing our tasks, we gain experience with the instruments and their effects. We take these experiences with us and on this basis we can make adjustments in the cycle. We also take into account to what extent and how often (based on well-founded underlying motivation) we deviate from the Environmental Vision. 

In preparing this first (updated) environmental vision under the Omgevingswet Act, we are using the policy cycle. We follow the cycle both clockwise and also counterclockwise.

We use existing frameworks and rules to arrive at the updated vision. These include the administrative vision Romte en Ferskaat (2013), the coalition agreement Mei-inoar foarút 2022-2026, the development agendas and Vitaal Opsterland.

We use the experience we have in implementing frameworks and rules in the environmental domain as input.

4.3 Monitoring

The introduction of the Omgevingswet with all its facets covers a period of 8 years. Starting in 2023, a major transition will take place. Change is synonymous with learning. Especially during this period, we learn from our own experiences and those of others.

In order to have insight into developments, monitoring must therefore be set up. With monitoring, the following is important: everything ultimately revolves around the quality of the physical living environment. Monitoring and evaluation must provide insight into whether the chosen policy leads to the desired basic quality of that physical environment. This requires insight into the starting situation and the current situation.
Input for monitoring is in any case found in:

  1. FSP Living in Friesland / www.fsp.nl/monitoren
  2. CBS
  3. PCCycle (budget, perspective letter and financial statements)
  4. Enforcement Annual Report
  5. Annual report VTH 
  6. GGD health monitor
  7. Conversations with Local Interests
  8. Conversations with community organizations and business platforms

4.4 Social developments

Societal developments and/or issues brought in by the local community may also be reasons to adapt the Environment Vision. 

It is therefore important to regularly monitor social developments, important developments from the Mienskip and learning experiences. This will enable us to make adjustments if necessary. By the way, adjusting is not only reserved for the Environmental Vision, but can also be done with the Environmental Plan or other underlying (policy) documents.
 

4.5 Coherence with environmental aspects (EIA and 4 environmental principles) 

The Omgevingswet sets a number of requirements for the Environment Vision. For example, the Environment Vision must show how we deal with the four environmental principles laid down in a European context. We have done this when elaborating our ambitions and tasks. 

The Environment Vision can also be a reason to draw up an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This is a report that maps out the environmental consequences if we implement the choices of the Environment Vision. This vision builds on existing policy. It also does not identify any new locations for spatial developments that would require an EIA procedure. Nor are any identifiable EIA (assessment) decisions included or expected.

The Environmental Vision gives direction to what we consider important. The ambitions from the Environmental Vision are therefore still abstract. As a result, the environmental effects cannot be properly assessed at this time. If necessary, we will elaborate this in programs or in the Environment Plan. If required, we will make an environmental impact report.

4.6 Coherence with Preferential Rights Act

The municipality can establish a so-called "right of first refusal" on land belonging to others. If an owner decides to sell, that land is first offered to the municipality. The municipality may therefore purchase the land first. This allows us to ensure that certain land is given the function envisioned in the Environmental Vision. For example, to make housing construction possible on currently agricultural land. In this Environmental Vision we do not designate concrete locations for a change of function. Should the municipality wish to establish a preferential right, we will first make this concrete in a program or make it clear in the Environment Plan.

4.7 Finance 

For spatial initiatives, the "one good turn deserves another" principle applies. Initiatives for which (financial) contributions are requested for specific (spatial) developments, we elaborate further in related programs.

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Still have questions?

If so, please contact the Public Center

Environmental vision Jikke Reinsbergstrjitte Gorredijk