Plan for faster housing construction in Noord-Holland receives unanimous support 

All the factions in Provincial Council of Noord-Holland will support the plan to invest over 76 million euros in speeding up the construction of homes in Noord-Holland. The goal is to build 91,000 homes by 2030, which are estimated to provide accommodation for at least 400,000 residents.

It is not the intention to hand cash to project developers, as parties including the SP fear, said the Provincial Executive Board member responsible for this, Jelle Beemsterboer (BBB). He agreed that there are many requirements for issues like sustainability, "but despite this, we can still do it, we think." The VVD and other parties said they hope the "very ambitious goal" can be reached.

The plan is for most homes to be built in innercity areas. In addition to the "grand and compelling" projects, there is also the possibility of subsidized construction in the 32 regions that are designated as Special Provincial Landscapes (BPL).

After pressure from parties like D66 and ChristenUnie, the Noord-Holland Executive Council promised that the Provincial Council would be given a voice in the decision-making about the 500 to 1,000 homes that it theoretically could involve. The Executive Council leading decision making in the province is comprised of a coalition between the BBB, PvdA, GroenLinks, and VVD.

Beemsterboer is also enthusiastic about a proposition for a provincial project office meant to support municipalities in removing obstacles. It is being researched whether something like this can shorten the traditionally long time of housing construction plans and help with the official capacity shortage without getting in municipalities' way.

The plan states that the province and the municipality will look at problems that can be solved with a financial impulse together. About 55 million euros is intended for housing projects near public transport junctions, and over 11 million euros is for new ways of making housing construction quicker.

This concerns, for example, removing risks during project preparation and simultaneously initiating environmental, urban development, or archaeological research prior to building permits. All in all, this should provide a 'construction boost.''