At the end of 2015, Minister Schultz decided to allow more buildings along the coast. After a storm of criticism, the minister quickly relented. So it won’t go that far. Underlying there remains reason for unrest. The apparent ease with which plans are made and disappear seems symptomatic.
For decades, integrated planning has not been systematically worked on in the Randstad. The fact that this is still going well is due to the special structure – polycentric with a lot of (play) space between the cores. With scarcer space, the space requirements start to get in each other’s way more often. Previously, the minister had already chosen not to intervene, but to deregulate and decentralise (Infrastructure and Spatial Planning Memorandum, 2012). Less interference and less patronizing. It sounds sympathetic, but with our planning tradition and looking at other metropolises worldwide, it is especially surprising. Cities need order and so the complex Randstad also needs management to remain attractive and efficient. Dune development is therefore not just something with supporters and opponents. The question is whether or not there is a greater vision. Nope. We can expect a liberal in particular to only let go when the lines have been set first. After all, there is no freedom without something to hold on to.
Henk Hartzema, letter to FD, 19 January 2016
