Woonvisie 2020-2026: Samen Wonen in Rheden – Municipal Housing Policy Overview
The official document Samen Wonen in Rheden, woonvisie 2020-2026 is the strategic housing framework issued by the Gemeente Rheden. Adopted in September 2020, this statute replaces the previous 2014-2020 vision and aligns with the national Omgevingswet (Environment Act), the Nationale Woonagenda 2018-2021, and the regional Woondeal for the Arnhem-Nijmegen subregion. It sets the regulatory direction for housing development, sustainability, and social carrying capacity across the seven villages and the outlying rural areas of the municipality.
The document is structured around three core pillars: creating livable neighborhoods for all residents, making existing housing stock sustainable and future-proof, and adding new housing of the correct qualitative standard. It governs residential project categories ranging from social rent and middle-segment rentals to owner-occupied homes, with specific mandates for levensloopgeschikte (life-cycle resistant) dwellings. Detailed annexes provide technical guidelines for wheelchair accessibility, village-specific housing profiles, and definitions for terms such as GBO (Gebruiksoppervlakte) and WWS (Woning Waarderingsstelsel).
The following sections detail the municipal requirements for building quality, affordability thresholds, and the environmental standards necessary for compliance within the Rheden jurisdiction.
Housing Quality and New Build Requirements
The municipality targets the realization of 550 new homes between 2020 and 2027. New developments are evaluated against specific subregional and municipal quality criteria to ensure they meet local housing needs and maintain village character.
- Affordability Threshold: For projects exceeding 5 dwellings, a target of 70% affordable housing is set, encompassing social rent, middle-segment rent, and affordable owner-occupied homes (within NHG limits).
- Life-cycle Resistance: All new build homes must be levensloopgeschikt, meaning primary rooms are located on a single floor or accessible via a safe lift installation.
- Size Mandates: In the village of Velp, new apartments must have a minimum GBO of 70m². In other villages, the minimum requirement is 60m².
- Occupancy Restrictions: Room-by-room rental (kamerverhuur) through the conversion of existing buildings is generally prohibited to protect neighborhood balance.
Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Standards
Rheden aims to be energy neutral by 2040. The vision dictates strict environmental standards for both new builds and the renovation of existing stock, focusing on circularity and biodiversity.
- Circular Construction: Large-scale new developments must strive for at least 25% circular material usage as per the Woondeal agreements.
- Paving Limits: To prevent heat stress and manage rainwater, a maximum of 33% of outdoor space in new projects may be paved.
- Nature-Inclusivity: New designs must incorporate at least three measures to enhance local biodiversity, such as integrated nesting boxes for birds or bats.
- Energy Labels: Existing social housing stock targets higher insulation levels, moving away from low energy labels (D or lower) towards energy-neutral standards.
Target Group Policies and Social Integration
The policy identifies specific demographics requiring targeted housing interventions, including seniors, starters, and individuals needing professional care.
- Senior Housing: Prioritizing the construction of levensloopgeschikte homes to stimulate doorstroming (housing chains), allowing seniors to vacate larger family homes.
- Mantelzorgwoningen: The municipality permits temporary care housing on private land to support informal caregivers, provided specific permit conditions are met.
- Student Housing: While existing supply in Velp is deemed sufficient, the policy focuses on regulating landlord quality and preventing nuisance in student-heavy areas.
- Arbeidsmigranten: Housing for migrant workers is managed through a policy of dispersion across the villages to prevent over-concentration in specific neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new houses does Rheden plan to build by 2027?
The municipality has a remaining task to realize approximately 550 new dwellings between 2020 and 2027.
What is the affordability requirement for new housing projects?
For projects with more than 5 dwellings, the goal is to have 70% of the units fall within the affordable segment, including social rent and mid-market options.
Are there minimum size requirements for new apartments in Velp?
Yes, new apartments in Velp must have a minimum floor area (GBO) of 70m².
What are the rules for paving in new residential gardens?
To ensure climate resilience, a maximum of 33% of the outdoor space or garden area in new developments may be paved.
Is circular construction mandatory in Rheden?
New housing plans within the regional Woondeal framework are required to aim for at least 25% circular development.
What does 'levensloopgeschikt' mean in this housing vision?
It refers to homes where all primary living spaces (living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom) are on one level or can be easily modified for accessibility.
Can existing houses be converted into student rooms?
Generally, the conversion of existing properties into room-based rentals (kamerverhuur) is not permitted under this vision to maintain neighborhood livability.
What is the deadline for Rheden to become energy neutral?
The municipality of Rheden has set an ambition to be completely energy neutral by the year 2040.
