Objecting to a board decision
Do you disagree with a decision made by the Water Board? And are you an interested party? Then you can file an objection.
How do I know if I can object?
You can only object as an interested party, that is, if your interest is directly affected by the decision. Before an administrative body responds to the objection, it often (not always) gives interested parties the opportunity to explain the objection orally. This is also called 'being heard'.
Aquatic objections only
It happens that an objection is made to a water permit where the objection is about land use planning such as sight reduction or noise pollution. The Water Board declares such objections inadmissible. The Water Board weighs only hydraulic objections. Objections about privacy, nuisance, noise pollution, cultural-historical values, natural values and other environmental objections can be submitted to the municipality.
Traffic concerns
Does your objection have to do with traffic or parking? Then first check the website below to see who is the road authority locally and address your objection to them.
Requirements
You may object if the Requirements below are met.
- Our board has made a decision. Written refusal to make a decision, or failure to make a decision in a timely manner is also considered making a decision.
- As an interested party, you are directly affected by the decision.
- You object within six weeks of the date of the decision. After that, you are too late.
In some cases, the appeal procedure can be skipped. You can then ask the district water board in the objection to agree to direct appeal to the administrative court.
How do you file an objection?
Online
Submit your objection using the digital form.
By letter
Submit your objection by letter. In your objection, put at least the following information:
- Your name, address and phone number;
- The date you write the objection;
- registration number and description of the written decision you wish to object to;
- The reasons why you disagree with the decision (these are the grounds of your objection);
- An authorization (if you are objecting on behalf of someone else);
- your signature.
Please note that you cannot object anonymously. Any interested parties, such as a permit holder, will be informed that you have objected.
Send the objection by mail to:
Dijkgraaf en hoogheemraden HHNK
Postbus 250
1700 AG Heerhugowaard
Objections explained orally
You have the right to explain your objections orally. If you wish to exercise that right, please state this in your objection. You and any other interested parties are usually heard by officials. In order to have an unbiased look at the case, these are officials who were not involved in the decision you are objecting to. For some appeals, the Board of Dijkgraaf & Hoogheemraden will seek advice from an Objections Advisory Committee. In that case, you will be heard by the Objections Advisory Committee. For more information about this committee, see the page Advisory Committee on Objections.
Rates
You do not have to pay any costs for filing a notice of objection. If you have incurred costs yourself - for example for engaging professional legal assistance - then you can request reimbursement. The request for reimbursement must be submitted before a decision is made on your objection. When a decision is made on your objection, a decision is also made on whether you will be reimbursed for costs.
Mediation
In addition to an objection option, you can also use mediation. We will be happy to discuss this with you. See the Mediation page.