Environmental policy integration in urban spatial planning: the approach of Rotterdam

Abstract

An integrated approach to spatial planning and environmental policy has not yet been adopted by many national, regional or local administrations. However, such integration is likely to provide a better streamlined planning process incorporating the environmental improvements and the physical developments in the urban areas. Within Europe some attempts to integrate spatial and environmental planning can be found in western countries like the Netherlands. In this paper we review the local policy concerning spatial and environmental planning on the experience of the city of Rotterdam. We discuss two methods for an area-oriented planning approach which have been applied in Rotterdam.

Compact City Development and the Challenge of Environmental Policy Integration: A Multi‐Level Governance Perspective

“…• In 1989, a limit value was defined for societal risk, whereas in the late 1990s the limit was transformed into a guidance value (De Roo, 2004). Surprisingly, no use has been made of instruments that have been developed for supporting integration of environmental policy in the early stages of spatial planning (Runhaar et al, 2009;Simeonova, 2006;Simeonova and Van der Valk, 2010;Weber and Driessen, 2010). Furthermore, if air quality standards will be exceeded because of a development, compensation in other areas or temporary exceptions are allowed.…”

“…Rather, assessment seems to be a summation of sectoral impact studies, the main purpose of which is to ascertain that intentions are indeed feasible. Surprisingly, no use has been made of instruments that have been developed for supporting integration of environmental policy in the early stages of spatial planning (Runhaar et al, 2009;Simeonova, 2006;Simeonova and Van der Valk, 2010;Weber and Driessen, 2010).…”

Economic and Spatial Restructuring in the Aras Economic Zone: The Impact of Cross-Border Cooperation

“…At several levels, various administrative entities need to adopt a cohesive strategy for spatial planning and environmental management [13]. However, such integration is expected to result in a more simple planning approach that considers both potential consequences and local expansion [35]. To enhance regional economic coordination, the advanced industrial structure is an integral component of economic ties [29].…”