Area-based exemption

The Municipality of Voorne aan Zee has an area-specific exemption for bats, house sparrows and swifts for the nuclei of Hellevoetsluis, Oudenhoorn and Nieuwenhoorn.

What is an area waiver? 

Residents in the built-up areas of Hellvoetsluis, Oudenhoorn and Nieuwenhoorn can insulate their homes without having to do a bat survey. The former Hellvoetsluis municipality has already conducted these surveys and received an area-specific exemption based on them. The municipality can allow residents, individuals, VVEs and developers in Hellvoetsluis, Oudenhoorn and Nieuwenhoorn to use this exemption if they meet the Requirements of this exemption.

The area-specific exemption applies to the following activities, among others: 

  1. Demolition of buildings for new construction or development
  2. Cavity wall insulation
  3. Replacing window frames
  4. Work on the facade
  5. Work on the roof

Requirements area-specific exemption

To work under the area-specific exemption, you must comply with the Requirements of the exemption and, if possible, create new habitats for bats, house sparrows and/or swifts (when habitats are lost, such as during cavity wall insulation and demolition, this is even mandatory). The area-specific exemption currently only applies in the built-up areas of Hellevoetsluis, Oudenhoorn and Nieuwenhoorn.

If you would like to use the area-based exemption, please request more information or the Requirements from the municipality's ecologist at 14 0181 or nl

Rules for Brielle, Oostvoorne, Rockanje, Tinte, Vierpolders or Zwartewaal

The area-specific exemption was requested by the former municipality of Hellevoetsluis. As a result, this exemption now applies only within the built-up areas of Hellevoetsluis, Oudenhoorn, and Nieuwenhoorn.

In 2025, we also conducted research on bats, house sparrows, and swifts in the other towns within the “ Voorne aan Zee ” region (Brielle, Oostvoorne, Rockanje, Tinte, Vierpolders, and Zwartewaal). We have since applied for a zone-specific permit covering the entire municipality.

Until we receive this permit, residents in other areas of Voorne aan Zee must check for themselves whether any protected species are present if they wish to demolish, renovate, or retrofit their homes with insulation.

For cavity wall insulation, you can use the eDNA method. The eDNA test checks for traces of DNA from protected animals (such as bats) in your cavity wall. If none are found, you will receive permission to insulate the wall safely.

Want to learn more about the eDNA test? Visit the website of our regional Energy Help Desk at .