Rostock's future: New spatial program reforms construction and wind power!

Rostock's future: New spatial program reforms construction and wind power!

A lot is happening in the Rostock region when it comes to spatial development. On October 6, 2025, the second draft of the Regional Spatial Development Program (RREP) was published, which has been revised in recent months to address the specific needs of the region. Thousands of comments have helped refine the program and adapt it to current challenges. The draft not only includes hundreds of pages, but also numerous maps that specify the spatial changes.

The eight principles that the RREP defines are particularly interesting. These include, among other things, the creation of an economic center in Rostock, the expansion of the port area and the promotion of renewable energies. Not to be forgotten is nature conservation and tourism, which are also central concerns of the program. Against the background of an outdated RREP from 2011 to 2013, this new version is seen as an important step for the future development of the region.

Setting the course for wind energy

A central point of the regional plan is the definition of wind priority areas. From 2027, 1.4% of the country's area is to be designated for wind turbines, and by 2032 this proportion will rise to 2.1%. For comparison: currently around 0.75% of the area in Rostock is earmarked for this purpose. However, particularly controversial areas, such as the Wustrow or Thelkow peninsula, were classified as unsuitable. New priority areas, which are certainly important for the use of wind energy, have been identified, according to which the changes in the RREP are also based on the adopted updates from 2020.

The update of Chapter 6.5 - Energy, including wind energy, was decided by the association meeting in June 2020 and has been binding since March 2021. These measures have adapted the textual specifications and justifications for wind turbines and also take into account requirements for the protection of residential areas.

Sustainable port development

Another focus is on the environmentally friendly development of the Rostock port. The original plan to expand by 2,400 hectares has been significantly reduced and now covers only 1,192 hectares. This shows a careful use of the existing areas and a move away from over-ambitious plans. The over-planning of certain areas was finally rejected, which underlines the region's environmental responsibility.

In addition, new industrial areas are to be created in the region, including in Laage, Poppendorf Nord and Güstrow. Housing is also being planned in central locations to enable positive development in rural areas. Here, the size of the home plots varies depending on the distance to Rostock.

Co-determination and citizen participation

Citizens of the region have the opportunity to give their opinion on the new draft. They can feel directly involved in public information events. The dates for these events include October 6th in Rerik, October 9th in Gnoien, October 15th in Lalendorf, October 27th in Güstrow and October 29th in Rostock. The deadline for comments runs until December 8, 2025 and various communication channels are offered to ensure broad participation.

The regional spatial development program determines where commercial areas, roads, residential areas and wind turbines can be built by 2035. This clear planning is necessary in order to meet the challenges of the future in the interests of sustainable development. Progress in regional planning not only requires strategic thinking, but also an active dialogue between citizens and decision-makers, which has now been optimally organized in the RREP.

For further information, the draft of the RREP, which contains detailed maps and explanations, is available on the pages NDR, Planungsverband Rostock and Windenergieausbau NRW are available for viewing.