Woonagenda Steenwijkerland 2022-2026 – Municipal Housing Strategy and Planning Framework
The Woonagenda Steenwijkerland 2022-2026 is the official housing policy document issued by the Gemeente Steenwijkerland in the Netherlands. Adopted in March 2022, this statute replaces the previous Woonvisie Steenwijkerland 2017-2021. It establishes the regulatory and strategic framework for residential development, social housing allocation, and urban renewal within the municipality. The document is integrated into the broader Regionale Woonagenda West-Overijssel 2021-2025 and serves as a primary input for the municipal Omgevingsvisie (Spatial Strategy) and Omgevingsplan (Environment Plan).
The scope of this policy covers the quantitative and qualitative housing demand for the period leading up to 2031, based on the Woningmarktonderzoek 2021 (Housing Market Study). It governs five key thematic domains: the fulfillment of local housing needs, the acceleration of construction projects, the sustainability of existing housing stock, the accessibility of the market for specific demographics, and the exploration of supra-regional housing demands within the Regio Zwolle. The document includes detailed appendices specifying housing requirements per core settlement, such as Steenwijk, Vollenhove, and Oldemarkt.
The following sections detail the specific targets for new construction, social housing thresholds, and the technical requirements for sustainable renovation and innovative housing forms like Collectief Particulier Opdrachtgeverschap (CPO) and sheltered housing configurations.
Local Housing Demand and Quantitative Targets
The municipality identifies a total demand for 1,735 new dwellings by 2031 to meet local needs. This requirement is distributed across various market segments and settlement types.
- Owner-occupied sector: A requirement for 1,435 units, with a high demand for affordable homes for starters and ground-bound patiowoningen (patio houses) for seniors.
- Social rental sector: A target of 140 additional units to meet basic demand, primarily focused on ground-bound units with downstairs sleeping and bathroom facilities.
- Private rental sector: A projected need for approximately 160 units, specifically in the mid-market range between €750 and €1,000 per month.
- Price segments: A priority is placed on homes below the €450,000 threshold, as demand in the expensive segment remains minimal.
Acceleration of Housing Construction Plans
To address the housing shortage, the municipality has implemented a Versnellingsaanpak (Acceleration Approach) to increase the annual realization rate from an average of 135 to at least 230 dwellings per year.
- Harde plancapaciteit: Immediate focus on the realization of approximately 500 units already under definitive planning permits.
- Zachte plancapaciteit: Rapid development of another 500 units currently in the preparatory stages.
- Steenwijk Zuidoost: Designated as a regional Sleutelproject (Key Project) receiving administrative and technical support from the province to expedite delivery.
- Plan Procedures: Commitment to shortening lead times for planning procedures ahead of the implementation of the new Omgevingswet (Environment Act).
Existing Housing Stock and Sustainability
The document outlines a substantial improvement task for the existing stock of approximately 20,500 dwellings, of which 4,150 units require technical or energetic upgrades.
- Energy Labels: A mandate to upgrade social housing with Label E, F, or G to at least Label B through performance agreements with housing corporations.
- District Approach: Priority areas for energy transition and neighborhood renewal include Steenwijk-Zuid, De Gagels, and the Woldmeenthe.
- Vrijkomende Agrarische Bebouwing (VAB): Frameworks for repurposing former agricultural buildings into multi-generational housing or senior residences.
Accessibility and Special Housing Categories
The municipality enforces strict affordability requirements to ensure market access for starters and vulnerable groups.
- Social Thresholds: A minimum of 30% of all new developments must consist of social rental housing or affordable owner-occupied homes.
- Beschut Wonen: A target for 80 sheltered housing units by 2031, with 50-60 planned in Steenwijk, 20 in Vollenhove, and 15 in Oldemarkt.
- Innovative Forms: Encouragement of 10-20% innovative housing forms, including CPO projects and temporary flexwonen (flexible housing) solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total housing target for Steenwijkerland until 2031?
The municipality aims to add a total of 1,735 dwellings by 2031 to satisfy local housing demand.
What percentage of new builds must be social or affordable?
According to the Woonagenda, at least 30% of new construction must be allocated to the social rental sector or affordable owner-occupied housing.
What is the definition of a 'patiowoning' in this document?
A patiowoning is defined as a ground-bound dwelling with a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor and a small garden, designed for seniors and small households.
How many homes does the municipality plan to build annually?
The goal is to realize at least 230 dwellings per year, a significant increase from the previous average of 135 per year.
Which area is designated as a regional key project for housing?
Steenwijk Zuidoost is identified as a 'Sleutelproject' (Key Project) in the regional and provincial housing strategy.
What are the sustainability goals for social rental properties?
The municipality and housing corporations aim to renovate social rental homes with Energy Labels E, F, or G up to at least Label B.
What is the policy for former agricultural buildings (VAB)?
The municipality facilitates the transformation of vacant agricultural buildings into new residential forms, such as multi-generational yards or senior housing.
Is there a specific plan for sheltered housing (beschut wonen)?
Yes, there is a requirement for 80 sheltered housing units by 2031, primarily concentrated in Steenwijk, Vollenhove, and Oldemarkt.
