Welstandsnota Goes 2016 – Building Aesthetics Policy and Guidelines
The Welstandsnota Goes 2016 is the official regulatory framework established by the Gemeente Goes (Municipality of Goes, Netherlands) to govern the aesthetic quality of the built environment. Valid as of 16-01-2024, this statute operates under the legal requirements of Article 12 and 12a of the Woningwet (Housing Act). It provides the concrete criteria used by the municipal administration and the ambtelijk kwaliteitsteam (official quality team) to assess permit applications for the 'activity of building' (activiteit bouwen). The policy aims to ensure that new constructions and renovations contribute positively to their surroundings through standardized assessment of placement, mass, and material usage.
The document's scope covers the entire municipal territory, including the historic city center of Goes, surrounding villages such as Kloetinge, and the rural Buitengebied. It categorizes the municipality into distinct zones with varying levels of aesthetic ambition: Beschermde gezichten (protected views), Bijzondere gebieden (special areas), Reguliere gebieden (regular areas), and Welstandsvrij (areas exempt from aesthetic review). Detailed regulatory chapters define specific requirements for unique structures, such as Zeeuwse schuurboerderijen (Zeeland barn farms) and historical monuments, ensuring that cultural-historical values are preserved alongside modern developments.
Professional users, including architects and developers, can utilize this document to determine the applicable aesthetic level for a specific parcel. The following sections detail the core area-based criteria, rules for small-scale constructions, and specific object-oriented standards.
Aesthetic Ambition Levels and Zoning
The municipality is divided into four ambition levels that dictate the intensity of the aesthetic review process. These levels correspond to the spatial and historical significance of the area.
- Beschermde gezichten: Applies to the historic city center of Goes (including Oostsingel) and the village of Kloetinge, where preserving historical integrity is paramount.
- Bijzondere gebieden: Includes village cores, pre-war neighborhoods, representative business parks, and the rural landscape, requiring extra attention to spatial quality.
- Reguliere gebieden: Covers post-war residential areas and large-scale facilities where the focus is on maintaining basic quality and the 'front-and-back' approach.
- Welstandsvrij: Specifically designated areas such as Mannee, Goese Meer, and parts of industrial zones where no preventive aesthetic testing is required.
Area-Specific Criteria
Specific criteria apply to different neighborhood typologies to protect their characteristic identities. For instance, the Binnenstad Goes (city center) emphasizes maintaining the orthogonal street pattern and vertical facade rhythms.
- Binnenstad Goes and Kloetinge: Preservation of the closed facade wall and use of traditional materials like red brick and baked tiles.
- Dorpskernen, linten en entrees: Focus on the organic growth of village cores and the historical ribbons (linten) that serve as main access routes.
- Vooroorlogse woningbouw: Guidelines for pre-war neighborhoods like Goes-west and Bloemenbuurt, emphasizing craftsmanship in masonry and steep roof pitches.
- Buitengebied: Regulations for the rural landscape, divided into the Open polderlandschap, Kreekruggenlandschap, and former tidal channels.
Object-Oriented Criteria for Specific Buildings
The document defines standards for specific building types that require an independent assessment framework regardless of their location.
- Monumenten: Assessment based on historical descriptions and the '10 principles for dealing with monuments'.
- Zeeuwse schuurboerderijen: Focus on the characteristic 'kop-hals-romp' or independent barn structures with black tarred weatherboarding and white accents.
- Agrarische bedrijfsbebouwing: Guidelines for large-scale agricultural sheds, focusing on grouping, volume contrast, and landscape integration.
- Reclame-uitingen: Rules for signage, limiting the number of expressions and prohibiting the use of daylight-reflecting or fluorescent colors.
Regulations for Small Scale Construction
A significant portion of the policy addresses minor building works such as dormers (dakkapellen), annexes, and fences. These are measured perpendicularly from the finished terrain.
- Dakkapellen (Dormers): Maximum width of 30% of the roof plane in protected areas, or 50% in regular areas. They must be placed at least 0.50m from the roof edge.
- Bijbehorende bouwwerken: Annexes must be subordinate to the main building. In the front yard area, a minimum distance of 2.00m from public space is required.
- Erf- of perceelsafscheiding: Fences in the front yard are limited to a height of 1.00m. Behind the front facade line, a maximum height of 2.00m is permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas in Goes are considered aesthetic-free (welstandsvrij)?
The designated areas include Mannee, Goese Meer, A. van Saskenlaan e.o. / Valckeslot, sports fields, and industrial areas (excluding representative locations).
What is the maximum width for a dormer on the front roof plane?
In protected or special areas, the maximum width is 30% of the roof width (max 3.00m); in regular areas, it is 50% (max 3.50m).
Are there specific rules for Zeeuwse barn farms (Zeeuwse Boerderijen)?
Yes, the policy requires maintaining the elongated main form, using black tarred wood for barns with white accent bands, and ensuring roof pitches are at least 45 degrees.
What are the height limits for annexes (bijbehorende bouwwerken)?
For annexes, the gutter height is limited to 3.50m and the ridge height to 6.00m, provided it stays at least 1.00m below the main building's ridge.
How is the 'Achtererfgebied' defined in Goes?
It is the yard at the rear or the side not facing public space, located more than 1 meter behind the front of the main building.
Can I use fluorescent colors for commercial signage?
No, the document explicitly prohibits the use of daylight-reflecting or fluorescent colors for all commercial advertising (reclame-uitingen).
What happens if a building plan deviates from the Welstandsnota?
The college of mayor and aldermen can deviate based on economic or social grounds under Wabo Article 2.10, though they are generally very restrictive.
How are historic monuments assessed for aesthetic compliance?
They are assessed against the highest aesthetic level ('Beschermd') and must adhere to the 10 starting points for monument care from Federatie Welstand.
