Vinex: national spatial planning policy in the netherlands during the nineties

December 1993 saw the publication of Part 4 of the Spatial Planning Key Decision known as "VINEX" for short. The supplement to the Fourth National Policy Document on Spatial Planning (Vierde Nota over de Ruimtelijke Ordening Extra) was the product of at least eight years work, involving many consultations. This article explores the content of the VINEX which consists partly of a continuation of policies set out in previous policy documents on spatial planning and partly of new policies which have been developed and shaped during those eight years. Special attention is paid to the way these policies are being implemented, whereby new approaches are used as well as tried and tested methods. All in all, the VINEX has stirred up quite a commotion. We discuss this in our concluding remarks.