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Developing policy instruments to reduce the amount of space taken up by open space
Book - Report
This study formulates concrete policy proposals that can contribute to making open spaces less paved and can lead to a zero balance of increased land take. Objectives formulated for 2050 and 2040 respectively in the White Paper Flanders Spatial Policy Plan (BRV).
In the first place, figures were collected on the surface area of land take and the hardening of the open space allocation and its evolution. From this we can deduce which sectors, in quantitative terms, have the most important share in land take and/or hardening.
In the second instance, a system analysis was carried out in order to better understand the underlying process of increased land take and pavement in the open space. Spatial regulations, the field of activity and the instruments of spatial planning of the Department of Environment are important links in order to be able to reduce this increase. On the other hand, we must also avoid ending up in a vicious circle of relaxation and tightening up of regulations.
In addition, the system analysis examines in greater depth the link between land take and hardening on the one hand and evolutions in agriculture and horticulture on the other, such as the combination of economies of scale and changes in the functions of former industrial buildings. Ideas about reversible building and economical use of space also offer starting points for possible solutions.
When formulating policy proposals and possible instruments to reduce the degree of pavement and stop the increase in land take, different courses of action are proposed at the conceptual level: regulating, stimulating, inspiring and taking action. We then go on to discuss concrete proposals to amend the legislation in the Environment policy area in the short term. Other initiatives to increase public support for a sustainable and economical use of space will always be taken into account.
In the first place, figures were collected on the surface area of land take and the hardening of the open space allocation and its evolution. From this we can deduce which sectors, in quantitative terms, have the most important share in land take and/or hardening.
In the second instance, a system analysis was carried out in order to better understand the underlying process of increased land take and pavement in the open space. Spatial regulations, the field of activity and the instruments of spatial planning of the Department of Environment are important links in order to be able to reduce this increase. On the other hand, we must also avoid ending up in a vicious circle of relaxation and tightening up of regulations.
In addition, the system analysis examines in greater depth the link between land take and hardening on the one hand and evolutions in agriculture and horticulture on the other, such as the combination of economies of scale and changes in the functions of former industrial buildings. Ideas about reversible building and economical use of space also offer starting points for possible solutions.
When formulating policy proposals and possible instruments to reduce the degree of pavement and stop the increase in land take, different courses of action are proposed at the conceptual level: regulating, stimulating, inspiring and taking action. We then go on to discuss concrete proposals to amend the legislation in the Environment policy area in the short term. Other initiatives to increase public support for a sustainable and economical use of space will always be taken into account.
Number of pages: 160
Publication year:2017
Accessibility:Open