Housing construction in Hoek van Holland is at a standstill due to nitrogen regulations, frustrating residents and developers alike. Projects are delayed, costs are rising, and potential homeowners are left waiting, highlighting the conflict between housing needs and nature protection.

The situation stems from rulings by the Council of State concerning nitrogen emissions and their impact on protected natural areas. These rulings have tightened restrictions on construction, requiring extensive ecological research and leading to project postponements. The delays are particularly acute in Hoek van Holland, a coastal village surrounded by port areas, greenhouses, and the Natura2000 area Solleveld and Kapittelduinen.

Local officials and developers express growing frustration with the situation. Marcel Korthorst of the Hoek van Holland Housing Association laments the years-long delay in building 144 homes, including social housing and care units. Ellis Kastelein of the Humanitas foundation echoes this sentiment, highlighting the plight of elderly residents needing care who wish to stay in the village.

Young people are especially affected, with waiting times for social housing reaching eight years. Some are forced to live with their parents well into their twenties, while others, including those facing economic hardship or divorce, struggle to find suitable housing.

Despite the construction industry not being the primary source of nitrogen emissions compared to agriculture and shipping, the Lemairepark project is still awaiting a nature permit, with the latest Council of State ruling casting doubt on its approval.

Real estate agent Jan Vreugdenhil points to another stalled project involving 150 apartments near the Roomse Duin nature area. He questions whether protecting the natterjack toad should take precedence over providing much-needed housing.

While some projects, like Martin van der Laan’s luxury apartments on the Cruquiusweg, have managed to overcome the nitrogen hurdle, many others remain in limbo, contingent on reduced nitrogen emissions and a relaxation of regulations. Jacco van Dam, chairman of the Village Council, voices the community’s frustration, emphasizing the urgent need for housing and the desire to balance nature protection with the ability to build and live in Hoek van Holland.