Woonvisie 2020+ – Housing Strategy for the Municipality of Aa en Hunze
The Woonvisie 2020+, titled Buitengewoon wonen in Aa en Hunze, is the official housing policy document issued by the Gemeente Aa en Hunze in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. Published in April 2021, this statute establishes a strategic framework for residential development through 2030, supported by a concrete implementation agenda for the 2021–2025 period. It operates within the context of national and provincial housing mandates, including the Provinciale Woonagenda and the Regio Deal Zuid- en Oost-Drenthe.
The document is structured into five primary chapters: an introduction to the local context, an analysis of market trends, the 2030 vision, the 2021–2025 implementation agenda, and a definition of roles and responsibilities. It addresses the regulatory requirements for diverse landscapes, including the Nationaal Park Drentsche Aa, the Hondsrug UNESCO Geopark, and various veenontginningslandschappen (peat reclamation landscapes). The scope encompasses building categories ranging from social rental housing managed by corporations like Woonborg and De Volmacht to private owner-occupied dwellings, with specific focus on VABs (vrijkomende agrarische bebouwing or vacant agricultural buildings).
The following sections detail the municipality's quantitative targets, spatial priorities, and social housing obligations based on the data and policy decisions recorded in the PDF.
Demographic Trends and Market Analysis
The municipality reports a significant shift in demographic composition, characterized by an aging population. Data from the Woonatlas Aa en Hunze indicates that while the percentage of residents aged 65 and older was 26% in 2020, it is projected to reach 34% by 2030. This shift necessitates a transition toward a more future-proof housing stock.
- Household Development: A projected growth of approximately 50 to 200 households between 2020 and 2030, followed by a potential decline of 3% to 5% between 2030 and 2050.
- Market Values: Average selling prices increased from €227,000 in 2016 to €285,000 in 2019, creating barriers for first-time buyers.
- Existing Stock: Roughly 91.5% of the current stock consists of single-family homes, with 74.1% being owner-occupied.
Spatial Strategy and Construction Targets
The woningbouwprogramma (housing construction program) prioritizes infill development and the transformation of existing structures over greenfield expansion. The municipality facilitates the local housing need through a balanced and adaptive programming approach.
- Quantitative Target: Plans are being developed for approximately 400 new homes over the next ten years, including a 30% planning margin to account for potential project cancellations.
- Location Priorities: Priority is given first to the transformatie of existing real estate, followed by initiatives within the built-up area (bebouwde kom), and finally to expansion sites at the edges of villages.
- VABs: The document anticipates that 20% to 30% of agricultural buildings will become vacant by 2030, requiring repurposing strategies to prevent long-term vacancy.
Affordability and Targeted Housing Groups
Aa en Hunze aims to provide a housing stock that aligns with various income levels and life stages. This involves active management of the social rental sector and support for specific demographics.
- Social Housing: The prestatieafspraken 2021 set a requirement for 1,895 social rental units by the end of 2024.
- Starters: Defined as households where the primary resident is no older than 30 years. The municipality explores tools such as startersleningen (starter loans) and self-occupancy mandates (zelfbewoningsplicht).
- Seniors: Encouragement of innovative concepts like Knarrenhofjes (clustered senior housing) and kangoeroewoningen (multigenerational homes) to stimulate movement within the housing market.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
Environmental objectives are integrated into housing policy, aligning with the Regionale Energie Strategie (RES) Drenthe. The municipality aims for a CO2-neutral housing stock by 2040.
- Zon op Dak: Active stimulation of solar panel installation on existing rooftops.
- Energy Labels: The majority of homes with a known label currently hold a C-label or higher.
- Transitievisie Warmte: A framework scheduled for completion at the end of 2021 to guide sustainable, gas-free heating and cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new houses does Aa en Hunze plan to build by 2030?
The municipality plans for approximately 400 new homes over the next ten years, a figure that includes a 30% planning margin to compensate for potential project dropouts.
What is the definition of a 'starter' in this housing vision?
A starter is defined as a household where the primary resident is a maximum of 30 years old.
What are the social housing targets for 1,895 units?
According to the performance agreements (prestatieafspraken), the municipality and its housing corporation partners aim to have 1,895 social rental units available by the end of 2024.
What is a VAB and how does it affect the housing policy?
A VAB is vrijkomende agrarische bebouwing (vacant agricultural building). The policy anticipates that 20-30% of these buildings will be vacant by 2030, necessitating repurposing or restructuring to maintain the quality of the rural area.
What are 'kangoeroewoningen' mentioned in the document?
These are multigenerational homes designed to allow seniors to live near family members, such as children, providing a mix of independence and care.
When does the municipality aim to be CO2-neutral for housing?
The municipality strives to have an energy-neutral housing stock that is independent of fossil fuels by the year 2040.
