Open House at Aylvalân Bakkeveen

The municipality of Opsterland recently announced that the Aylvalân housing project in Bakkeveen has been put on hold for the time being. Despite years of preparation and research, the project is currently not feasible because the province cannot grant the municipality a nature permit due to nitrogen-related issues. The municipal executive is extremely disappointed by this.

However, the plans for Aylvalân are not being shelved. Once the natural environment has recovered sufficiently and there is again room for new developments within the framework of laws and regulations, the municipality can resume work on the plans.

We understand that this news raises questions. Why are nitrogen regulations preventing housing construction? What exactly is nitrogen? What is the current state of nature? What laws and regulations apply? And what does this mean for the future of housing construction in Bakkeveen?

To explain this situation and discuss it with residents, the municipality is organizing an open house for residents of Bakkeveen featuring experts. During this event, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have on this topic.

There is no set schedule. You are welcome to drop by at your convenience, review the information, and talk with city staff, Alderman van Opzeeland, and experts.

  • Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
  • Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Dúndelle, Bakkeveen, Mjûmster Wei 16, 9243 SK Bakkeveen

You are most welcome. 

For more information, please see the council letter: 

Read the council letter (PDF)

For more information: press release

Aylvalân housing project in Bakkeveen on hold due to nitrogen regulations

The Aylvalân housing development in Bakkeveen cannot currently be carried out due to current nitrogen regulations and the poor state of the natural environment. Despite years of preparation and research, the project is currently not feasible because the province of Fryslân cannot grant the municipality of Opsterland a nature permit due to nitrogen-related issues.

Location: Aylvalân

The Aylvalân site was zoned for approximately 40 homes. The development is intended to help meet the housing needs of first-time buyers, families, and residents who wish to continue living in Bakkeveen.

Research

Alderman van Opzeeland: "The city council is deeply disappointed by this disappointing outcome for those looking for housing, for Bakkeveen, and for the municipality."

In recent years, the municipality of Opsterland has commissioned extensive studies on topics such as traffic, soil, water, and nature. Several nitrogen calculations have also been performed and updated in accordance with the most recent laws and regulations. In addition, various measures to reduce nitrogen pollution have been examined.

The project area is located near the Bakkeveense Duinen Natura 2000 site. Studies show that nitrogen pollution in this sensitive nature area cannot be reduced sufficiently to meet current legal requirements. As a result, the required permit cannot be granted.

Looking ahead

The plans for Aylvalân are not being shelved. Once the natural environment has sufficiently recovered and there is again room for new developments within the framework of laws and regulations, the municipality intends to revisit the plans. In the meantime, the municipality continues to explore other housing development opportunities in Bakkeveen. For example, it is investigating whether homes can be built at the site on Mjumsterwei.

On June 22, the municipality is hosting an open house for residents of Bakkeveen to explain the situation and answer questions about the project. The meeting will take place at the Dúndelle from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is not required; interested parties are welcome to drop by at their convenience. For more information: https://www.opsterland.nl/stikstof

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If so, please contact the Public Center

Municipality of Opsterland