Construction activities and plants and animals

What do you have to do

Checking the presence of protected species and habitat 

• Before starting construction or insulation activities, check whether protected animals or plants live on the construction site. For example, do you see remains of nests, feathers or droppings? Then there may be animals present
• If in doubt, you should hire a nature expert (ecologist) for an investigation. Such a study is called an ecological quick scan
• You can get to work if the quick scan shows that there are no protected animals or plants on the construction site
• A good ecological quick scan is proof that you have done enough to investigate whether protected plants and animals are threatened 
• The ecological quick scan may not provide enough information. You must then have an extensive nature survey carried out by experts 

Check the consequences for species and habitat

• If there are protected animals or plants on the construction site, you can only work if:
  • Your construction activities do not pose a risk to protected animals and plants
  • You carry out the construction activities in such a way that the plants and animals are not affected. For example, by waiting until the bird breeding season is over. This is called working according to the natural calendar. The nature calendar lists the common animals in Hilversum 
  • If this is not possible, you must request permission for your construction activities

Request permission

You must apply for permission if there are protected plants or animals on the construction site and you cannot start work without harming them. You can apply for permission via the Environment Desk.

Application via the Environment Desk

• You request permission from the municipality via your environmental permit.
• For example, you want to place a dormer window or build a driveway. You apply for an environmental permit for this in the Environment counter† You need your DigiD or eHerkenning for this
• Or you make the request in writing. In the Environment counter start the application and answer the questions. You can download, print and send the digital application form to the municipality by post. Send the completed application form with all requested documents to:  

Municipality of Hilversum  
Public Affairs Department, Back Office Team  
P.O. Box 9900  
1201 GM Hilversum

• Do not put personal data on drawings, calculations or reports to protect your privacy  
• You can request your permission by adding a flora and fauna activity  
• The municipality will receive your application and will request advice from the Noord-Holland Noord environmental service (OD NHN).
• If OD NHN gives positive advice, you will be given permission. This is called advice and consent from the OD NHN on behalf of the province of North Holland  
• Consent may be subject to conditions
• If the protected plants and animals are threatened, permission will be refused. You are not allowed to carry out your construction activities

Send an application to the municipality via the Environment Desk:

• Description of the actions you will perform
• Purpose and value of the actions you will perform
• For which protected species the permit is being requested
• For which activities the permit is requested
• Activity plan with area description, ecological area inventory, effect study, topographic map and substantiation of the value of the actions
• If applicable:  
  • Description of measures to reduce the consequences of the construction activities (mitigating measures)
  • Description of measures to remedy the consequences (compensatory measures)
• The application requirements for an environmental permit for Flora and Fauna activity are stated in the Environmental Regulations in section 7.2.1 and in article:
  • 7.197k to 7.197n when it comes to birds
  • 7.197o to 7.197qif it concerns species of the Habitats Directive and treaties 
  • 7.197r when it comes to types of the Living Environment Activities Decree  
     

After your application Environment counter

• After your request you will receive a confirmation email
• We will only process your application once you have submitted all documents and data
• We will process your request within 12 weeks. The municipality may extend this period once by a maximum of 1 weeks. You will receive an email if this is necessary
• If your application is not complete, the municipality will send you an email to send you the missing information. The time you get for this does not count in the treatment period of 12 weeks
• You will receive the decision by email. The decision will also be published on government.nl 

6 weeks of objection  

• You and other people affected by the decision (interested parties) will have 6 weeks after the decision has been sent to object.   
• As an applicant, you will be notified if there is an objection 

What does it cost

• The costs for permission for a flora and fauna activity are € 147,25
• You also pay costs if permission is not given or if you stop the application
• An ecological quick scan costs approximately € 850. Additional costs may be incurred for extensive research

also look at

• Apply for an environmental permit
• Cut down a tree
• Nature-inclusive building
• Green in motion Hilversum
• Brochure nature-friendly sustainability