Dutch politicians push to simplify rules in order to speed housing construction

Several Dutch municipal council candidates are calling for simpler building rules as a way to increase housing construction, according to a debate on NOS radio ahead of local elections. They said that while some regulations fall outside municipal control, reducing bureaucracy could accelerate the building process.

Ans Putman of the Doetinchem-based Partij voor Lokaal Maatwerk and Jim Lo-A-Njoe of D66 in Groningen argued that splitting existing homes into multiple units should be easier. A survey by ANP earlier showed that many municipalities are supportive of housing splits but impose varying local regulations that hinder implementation.

Putman also criticized the national requirement that 30 percent of new housing be social housing, calling for its repeal. Niels van Stappershoef of the Tilburg VVD opposed national rules as well, noting, “We all want energy-neutral, sustainable, and circular buildings nowadays. That can be eased a little if it helps actually get the housing built.”

Kavish Partiman, CDA party leader in The Hague, described the regulatory burden as “such a gratuitous thing.” He said, “Everyone wants fewer rules. You need to see where it gets stuck.” In The Hague, he noted, it can take almost eight years for a developer to obtain a permit.

The national coalition government also aims to simplify building regulations. Measures under consideration include making it easier to add floors and split homes, and allowing family homes on private plots to be constructed without a permit.