laws and policies
1992
Planning Act
In Denmark, the Minister of Environment is responsible for the overall planning system.
The key legislative basis is the Planning Act of 1992, which defines the responsibilities for spatial planning on national, regional and local levels. The planning system covers solely the use of land. Planning measures for the maritime area, as well as coastal protection are not included.
Since the 1930s, a 100-meter buffer zone, in which new development is prohibited, has prevented the Danish coastal areas from intense implementation of construction works close to the beach. Moreover, the buffer zone has allowed a dynamic coastal defence in areas where coastal protection is indispensable. The 100-meter buffer zone was extended to 300 meter in 1999, except for approved summer cottage areas. The objective
of the extension has been a more improved protection of the natural environment along the Danish coastline. Coastal defence aspects and possible consequences of climate change have not been a cause for extending the buffer zone.
Further reading
Solutions for coastal protection in the Wadden Sea region, CPSL (2005)