To attain a transition such as to a circular economy and built environment, actions at all scales are necessary, which implies that interventions should positively contribute to the transition (Petersen& Heurkens, 2018). Governments see the problems that the linear built environment entails and are making steps in implementing circular focussed policies (Bouwma et. al, 2015). A transition, such as to a circular built environment, can only become reality when public planners work in a certain way. They should use their political power with the dynamics of real estate developments by shaping,
regulating and stimulating market parties (Petersen & Heurkens, 2015). One of the new planning instruments concerning circularity are circular land tender procedures (OECD, 2020). By setting circular award criteria for land tenders, public planners ensure that they have an influence on real estate developments. Since this is a new phenomenon, almost no research has been done into this planning instrument. It is unclear whether the introduction of circular criteria raises problems and what the parties involved think about it. Heurkens et. al (2015) identifies the importance of cooperation between public and private entities. Public planners are increasingly dependent on market parties to achieve their goals. Therefore, it is important to conduct research on this new planning tool.