Exploring the implications of ‘no net land take’ policy for spatial planning: the case of the Netherlands

Abstract

The European Union’s ‘no net land take’ (NNLT) target, which seeks to halt greenfield development by 2050, is very pertinent for planners. The present article investigates its potential impact with special attention for the Netherlands. Given that no single definition or methodology had been established at the EU level, land take was calculated over the 2000–2018 period for alternative definitions. A result is that qualitative approaches oriented to soil quality provide more scope for flexibility than quantitative approaches oriented towards land use. In addition, successful implementation of NNLT will depend on engaging with planners and planning practice.