North Sea Skills Integration and New Technologies

Speaking a multi disciplinary language to integrate the worlds of spatial planning and water management. Encouraging the implementation of innovative technical and sustainable solutions which have already proved to be successful.

Polderweijde, Obdam, The Netherlands

In 2003-2004 a plan was made for a new to be built living area Polderweijde in the polder Obdam that will become part of existing village Obdam. One of the principles is to keep and to amplify the existing water structure. A huge water storage is planned on the edge of the planning area. This way the houses can be spatially spread out. And recreation and nature development are promoted. The oversized water storage is a ‘credit’ for future spatial developments with less water storage.

Polderweijde is characterized by a high percentage of surface water. This contributes to the spatial quality of the area. The excess of surface water can be ‘exchanged’ with other spatial plans with less surface water. This is a so-called ‘Waterbank’. This way money is dealt with in an efficient way. Furthermore other water aspects are optimised. By locating the water storage with its spatial quality on the edge of the new to be built area, there were no difficulties with the original residents. So the plan was finished in time.

In this project water is structuring the spatial planning. The existing water structure is one of the principles of the plan. Besides storage water is used for recreation, experience, nature, etc. The excess storage enables the municipality of Koggenland to facilitate new spatial developments to be water proof. Water storage on a strategic location is valuable for the ecosystem and recreation in a larger area.

By combining the motives and ideas of the different partners a future proof valuable plan is created. The ambition of the municipality, together with some support from the water board, an excess of water storage is created.