Submit Comments on Land-Use Plans
In some land-use planning procedures, you may submit comments on a draft decision before the municipality makes a final decision. Such comments are called “statements of opinion.” The municipality takes these comments into account when making the final decision. This does not mean that your requests will always be granted. It does mean, however, that we take your opinion seriously and consider it when making the final decision. You will always receive a substantive response to your comments.
A statement of opinion can only be submitted if a draft decision has been issued on which you can submit a statement of opinion (see announcements). If you disagree with the municipality’s draft decision or would like to share your thoughts on it, you can submit a statement of opinion.
The opinion-submission procedure is different from the complaint procedure. You should file a complaint if you are dissatisfied with the conduct of a municipal official.
It is also not the same as the appeal process. An appeal is a legal remedy to overturn a decision that has already been made, whereas a statement of views is intended to bring all interests to the table before a decision is made.
Directly arrange
How do you submit a statement of opinion?
You can find out how to submit comments in the description of the procedure for the draft decision on which you wish to comment. These draft decisions and procedures can be found on the official announcements page.
Comments on Land-Use Procedures
The opportunity to submit comments arises when the council or the executive committee issues a draft decision to (partially) amend the Opsterland Environmental Plan. In such cases, the council or the executive committee intends to establish different rules regarding land use and/or construction for a specific location or topic.
It may also be a factor in certain situations involving a proposed environmental permit for a (more complex) land-use development that the municipal executive intends to grant.
Review of the Opinion
If a statement of opinion is submitted, the municipality will take that statement into account when making its final decision. Depending on the procedure, this decision may be made by the council or the municipal executive. The municipality will address the submitted statements of opinion in the rationale for the final decision. The municipality will also indicate whether and how the plan has been amended as a result of the comment. The municipality will provide you, as the submitter, with feedback on how your comment was evaluated and what the final decision was. It will also explain what appeal options are available to you if you do not (yet) agree with the decision.
