Nota Omgevingskwaliteit Westerveld 2024 – Spatial Quality and Building Design Policy
The Nota Omgevingskwaliteit Gemeente Westerveld is the official regulatory framework for building aesthetics and spatial quality within the municipality of Westerveld, Netherlands. Issued by the municipal authority and effective as of January 1, 2024, this document serves as an update to the previous Welstandsbeleid (2012). It operates under the wider legal context of the Omgevingswet (Environment Act) and aims to provide a more compact and integrated approach to assessing building permit applications.
The policy covers the entire municipal territory and is structured around three primary criteria types: Gebiedsgerichte criteria (area-based), Thematische criteria (thematic), and Algemene criteria (general). The regulatory scope includes various landscape and settlement types such as the Buitengebied (countryside), Beschermde dorpsgezichten (protected village views), Voorzieningenkernen (service centers like Diever and Dwingeloo), and Dynamische kernen (dynamic centers). It also defines specific rules for modern interventions including solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, and nature-inclusive construction practices.
This document provides detailed Gebiedspaspoorten (area passports) that describe the core qualities of specific regions, ranging from Essenlandschap and Wegdorpenlandschap to the historic cores of villages. These passports dictate the applicable level of aesthetic ambition and the specific design requirements for new developments and renovations.
Assessment Levels and Welstandsniveaus
The municipality utilizes three distinct levels of aesthetic assessment to determine the strictness of building reviews based on the spatial quality of the location.
- Niveau Hoog (High Level): Applied to protected village views, the countryside, historic cores, and recreation sites. Criteria focus on preservation, restoration, and enhancement of details.
- Niveau Regulier (Regular Level): Applicable to residential areas and large-scale green functions like schools. Reviews ensure plans align with the average visual quality of the area.
- Niveau Basis (Basic Level): Used for industrial estates, sports fields, and trailer parks. Reviews focus on global aspects such as positioning, form, and color.
Area-Specific Criteria and Landscape Passports
Detailed design requirements are derived from the landscape characteristics of the Buitengebied and historic centers. These criteria govern the orientation, scale, and materiality of buildings.
- Wegdorpenlandschap: Characterized by long ribbon settlements with stately architecture and vertical window orientations.
- Essenlandschap: Buildings should be located on the flanks of the open 'essen' (raised fields), featuring simple volumes and large roof surfaces in dark colors.
- Esdorpen: Features a concentration of buildings with a loose scattering pattern, often utilizing thatched or tiled roofs with low gutter lines.
- Beschermde dorpsgezichten: In protected areas like Dwingeloo and Havelte, new construction must strictly match the historical context in material, color (typically dark red/brown brick), and window profiling.
Thematic Criteria for Sustainable Energy
The policy provides specific rules for the installation of energy-saving measures to ensure they do not detract from the landscape or historic value.
- Solar Panels on Roofs: Panels must be subordinate to the building's appearance. On sloped roofs, a minimum distance of three meters from the front facade is recommended. Installation on thatched roofs is prohibited.
- Field-based Solar Arrays: Should be positioned in the 'rear yard' area, often in a 'vegetable garden' layout. They must be screened with native greenery if visible from public roads.
- Small Wind Turbines: Limited to a maximum of two turbines per location. They must be positioned behind the front building line and feature a three-blade design with a vertical vane.
Fast-track Assessment and Excesses Scheme
For common small-scale projects, Sneltoetscriteria provide objective rules that, if met, allow for faster approval. For unauthorized or unregulated works, the Excessenregeling defines thresholds for intervention.
- Dormers (Dakkapellen): Must be subordinate to the roof plane. Maximum height of 1.75 meters and maximum width of 50% of the roof width.
- Fences (Erfafscheidingen): Within built-up areas, fences along public roads must have at least 30% open construction combined with vegetation.
- Excesses: Serious conflict with spatial quality is identified by physical isolation of a building from its surroundings, use of 'impoverished' materials, or the use of garish/clashing colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar panels permitted on thatched roofs in Westerveld?
No, the policy explicitly states that solar panels may not be placed on thatched roofs (rieten daken).
What is the maximum number of small wind turbines allowed per location?
A maximum of two small wind turbines are allowed per location, unless the specific zoning plan (bestemmingsplan) allows for more.
What are the rules for dormers visible from the public road?
Dormers must be subordinate to the roof, have a maximum height of 1.75 meters, and occupy no more than 50% of the roof's width. They must match the main building's materials and colors.
Which areas in Westerveld fall under the 'High' assessment level?
Areas with 'Niveau Hoog' include protected village views, the countryside (buitengebied), historic cores, main access roads, rural housing on village edges, and recreation sites.
What material is preferred for fences along public roads?
The policy prefers sustainable materials like stone, wood, or metal fencing combined with greenery; at least 30% of the structure must be 'open'.
How are field-based solar installations assessed?
They must be placed in a rectangular pattern in the rear yard, integrated with the existing landscape structure, and often screened by native, evergreen hedges.
