Construction in the coastal zone, 2000-2010

The number of new buildings in the shore zone (land within 100 metres of the shoreline) increased by 8 per cent in 2009 in relation to 2008, and reached 4 676 buildings. However, the number of new buildings did not reach the level of 2006, of 5 645 buildings. Most of the counties had an increase in building activity in the shore zone in 2009 compared with the year before. The exceptions were Sør-Trøndelag and Troms. Hordaland was still the county with most new buildings in the shore zone.

Most of the construction activity within the shore zone was started in areas outside built-up areas, while there was a decline in construction activity inside the built-up areas.

In the shore zone, outside built-up areas, holiday houses are the most numerous, but in 2009 there was a reduction in building activity of such houses compared to the year before. In 2009, more boat-houses were built than holiday houses.

Building activity most important on the mainland

The shoreline on the mainland is more affected by building activity than the shoreline on non-road accessible islands. Ninety-three percent of all buildings in the coastal zone were situated on the mainland at the start of 2010 and only 7 per cent on non-road accessible islands. In comparison, 74 per cent of the coastal zone lies on the mainland and 26 per cent on islands.

This development of higher building activity on the mainland has resulted in 38 per cent of the shoreline being situated within 100 metres from a building, and only 12 per cent for islands. The shoreline is continuously affected by building activity and in the period of 2000-2010 the non-affected shoreline decreased by 12 per cent on the mainland but only 4.4 percent on islands.

Increase in building activity also along the water courses

The building activity also increased along the water courses in 2009. In total, 4 846 new buildings were put up within a hundred metres of a water course of importance (Strahler code = 3). The water courses cover vast non-built-up areas. Consequently, only 7.2 per cent of the Norwegian water courses are within a hundred metres of a water course of importance.

For more information

Further reading Land use planning in municipalities and counties .

Tables:

• Table 1 Number of buildings in the shore zone as of 1.1. 2000-1.1.2010. County
• Table 2 Land use in coastal area divided by technical influence in municipalities along the Oslofjord and other municipalities with high and low pressure on land areas. Status as of 1.1.2010. Municipality. Per cent