If everything goes well, construction of Maasvlakte 2 will start this year. Steps to make this possible include - amongst others - submission of applications for numerous licences and permissions, production of a new zoning plan and adaptation of existing zoning plans. The Port of Rotterdam Authority has requested several licences from the ministries concerned. The City of Rotterdam and the municipality of Westvoorne have drafted preliminary zoning plans.

Many of these documents have been open to public inspection in 2007. New versions and drafts for licences and permissions are open for public inspection between January 1 en February 15 2008. They include environmental impact assessments, examinations of appropriate use, initial drafts of planning decisions and applications for licences. Some of the documents are being published for consultation procedures, while others are for information purposes only. Consultations are held with the competent authorities. 

Why a consultation procedure?
The Maasvlakte 2 project organisation believes it is important for local residents to take advantage of the opportunity to give their views on the documents mentioned above. Responses by the public will make it possible to protect local interests more effectively, for example, because the received reactions may lead to new ways of looking at the project. Anybody may raise subjects for discussion and if desired put forward solutions. As a result of the reactions received the competent authority will decide whether or not to amend the documents.

One single contact point
One single contact point is available for information and public inquiry on any of the procedures. This eliminates the endless search for the right government agency to contact for information, inquiry, and reactions. This contact point is managed by the Public Inquiry Platform of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (IVW). 

This inquiry platform informs on where documents can be examined and announces opportunities for public comment. It also serves as a mailbox for reactions that are then passed on the competent Authority. 

Inspraakpunt Verkeer en Waterstaat
Postbus 30316
2500 GH The Hague
The Netherlands
+31 (0)70 351 96 00
E inspraakpunt@inspraakvenw.nl
I www.inspraakVenW.nl (Dutch only)

A list of the procedures available for stating your interests is included in the Procedurewijzer PMR (Dutch only). A printed version can be requested from PMR at: pmr@minvenw.nl.