Green strips and residual strips

Many Questions About the Shoulder Lane Policy

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about our policy on leftover lots. People probably have a lot of questions because we’ve sold a number of leftover lots recently. 

Cleanup Campaign

We are currently conducting a cleanup campaign. This campaign involves the sale of residual parcels where we have determined in the past that the land is being used unlawfully. This campaign has not yet been completed.

 Note

  • We do not process new applications for the sale of residual strips.
  • We will continue to monitor and address the unauthorized use of municipal land.
  • If a statute of limitations has expired and improper use has been established, residents must pay us compensation.

Use of Municipal Land

There are several reasons why you might want to use public land. For example, to expand your yard or home.

In the past, many green belts and residual strips were leased to private individuals and, starting in 2015, were also sold. Residual strips are green belts that no longer serve a public function and were therefore offered for sale to immediate neighbors. 

The municipality has decided to temporarily suspend rentals and sales. 

Sale of residual strips temporarily not possible

The municipality started selling residual strips in 2015. At the end of 2024, the municipality decided to temporarily stop these sales. This is due to the energy transition. 

Network operator Enexis is tasked with preparing the energy network in the municipality for energy transition. To do this, transformer houses and pipes must be reinforced and relocated. This could potentially conflict with the sale and lease of residual strips. Therefore, the municipality has decided to stop the sale of the residual strips until further notice. The municipality reserves the right to deviate from this with motivating reasons.

Green space rental

From the past, green spaces have been leased to adjacent residents in many areas of the municipality. This rental policy was changed by the town council. The rent is being phased out. 

New lease situations are no longer entered into but existing leases can in principle continue until the municipality needs the land for a public policy purpose. At the time the lease is terminated due to relocation, for example, a completion date is given by which the land must be cleared by the tenant of all landscaping (planting, paving, yard fences) installed by the tenant. 

The Hard Ven 

Some residents in the Harde Ven have received a letter regarding the use of forest land and/or residual strip. These residents will be informed and contacted separately by the municipality.

Questions buy/rent residual strip

Still have questions about a pre-existing residual strip purchase or lease? If so, please email groenstroken@sonenbreugel.nl.