Berkenbos Environmental Program
The municipality is set to begin drafting an environmental program for the Berkenbos industrial park. This program outlines specific measures for the industrial park that will ensure the goals set forth in Nuenen’s Environmental Vision are achieved. You can read about how this process works on this webpage.
What is an environmental program?
On January 1, 2024, the Environment Act ( Omgevingswet ) went into effect. The Environment Act ( Omgevingswet ) consolidates various former laws and regulations governing the living environment into a single law. This means that municipalities now take a more integrated approach to the living environment. The Environment Act ( Omgevingswet ) provides municipalities with various tools to work with, such as the Environmental Vision (Omgevingsvisie), the Environmental Program (Omgevingsprogramma), and the Environmental Plan (Omgevingsplan).
In 2021, the municipality of Nuenen first adopted an environmental vision that sets out its long-term goals. The objectives outlined in this environmental vision are being developed into environmental programs. We are creating several environmental programs covering various themes and areas.
We are now going to begin drafting the environmental program for the Berkenbos business park. This program outlines specific measures for Berkenbos that will ensure the goals set out in the Environmental Vision are achieved. The environmental program will ultimately be incorporated into the environmental plan. The environmental plan sets forth the rules that apply to a specific location. The environmental plan replaces the zoning plan.
Where is the Berkenbos Industrial Park located?
Berkenbos is the industrial park on the west side of Nuenen that includes Berkenbos, Spegelt, and Pinckart. The aerial photo below shows the area in question:
What are we going to do to develop the Berkenbos Environmental Program?
To determine what is important at the Berkenbos business park, we will conduct a survey in the fall of 2026. For example, we will review the content of the environmental vision, other policy documents, and agreements made at the regional and provincial levels, among other things. We will also visit the business park to assess the existing buildings and identify the companies located there.
After conducting the assessment, we draw up a participation plan that outlines how we will involve stakeholders—such as business owners—in the process. We then draft an initial memorandum and proceed to develop the draft environmental program. We make the draft environmental program available for public review so that stakeholders can provide their input. Based on the feedback received, we can then revise the environmental program.
The Mayor and Aldermen will ultimately adopt the environmental program. The plan is for adoption to take place in the first quarter of 2028. The city council and the surrounding community will becloselyinvolved in the development of the environmental programs.
Planning
Currently in progress: Preparation & Participation Plan - Fall 2026
In the fall of 2026, we will conduct an initial assessment of the business park and draw up a participation plan.
Remaining tasks: Drafting the initial memorandum—January through August 2027
In 2027, we will draft an initial memorandum. This document will set out the guiding principles for the environmental program.
Remaining tasks: Design and public engagement for the neighborhood program—September through December 2027
In the fall of 2027, we will develop the draft environmental program. We will involve stakeholders, such as business owners, in this process.
Remaining tasks: Public consultation & finalization - January/February 2028
Formal public consultation and finalization will take place in early 2028.
Still to be done: Adoption of the environmental program—March 2028
In March 2028, the City Council will officially adopt the environmental program.
Still to be done: Implementation of the environmental program
The environmental program will take effect starting in April 2028. This means we will begin implementing the provisions of the environmental program. Exactly what that will look like will become clear once the details are known.