Ambitiedocument 'Samen voor Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit' Veldhoven – Spatial Quality and Aesthetic Policy
The Ambitiedocument 'Samen voor Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit' is the official policy document of the Municipality of Veldhoven, established on May 14, 2019. It serves as a modern replacement for the traditional welstandsnota (aesthetic review guidelines) and acts as a precursor to the upcoming Omgevingswet (Environment Act). The document shifts the regulatory focus from strict prescriptive rules to a goal-oriented approach, emphasizing a 'yes, provided' attitude toward local initiatives and spatial developments.
The regulatory framework is built upon four spatial Kernwaarden (Core Values) and five Architectuurprincipes (Architectural Principles). It governs the visual and spatial quality of the built environment across diverse zones, including urban centers, historical village cores, and residential neighborhoods. The document introduces five ruimtemissies (spatial missions): Ruimte geven, Ruimte delen, Speelruimte, Ruimte voor verandering, and Ruimte maken, which define the municipality's collaborative stance on urban planning and individual building projects.
This document provides the specific criteria for assessing building plans that are not permit-free, particularly those visible from the public domain. It outlines the responsibilities of initiators and the role of the municipality in safeguarding the local identity of Veldhoven within the broader Brainport Eindhoven region.
The Four Core Values (Kernwaarden)
The municipality identifies four distinct spatial identities that determine the required level of aesthetic quality and the nature of developments allowed in specific areas.
- Core Value 1: Strong Urban Structure: Focuses on the City Centrum, the De Run and Habraken business parks, and main transport axes like the A2/N2 and A67. It encourages innovative and distinguishing architecture with international allure.
- Core Value 2: Recognizable Village Structures: Covers the historical cores of Oerle, Zeelst, Meelveldhoven, and Veldhoven-Dorp, as well as historical ribbons like the Kromstraat. Maintenance of cultural-historical values and individual plot-based development is required.
- Core Value 3: Carefully Designed Development Areas: Applies to larger residential expansions and infill projects like Oerle-zuid. It emphasizes diversity in housing and a cohesive architectural image for the entire neighborhood.
- Core Value 4: Attractive Residential Neighborhoods: Targets plan-based residential areas from the second half of the 20th century. The goal is to maintain basic quality and respect the existing environment during renovations or small-scale additions.
The Five Architectural Principles
For building plans that require a permit and are located outside the defined achtererfgebied (backyard area), the municipality applies five qualitative principles instead of rigid checklists.
- Relation between building and environment: New structures must positively contribute to their surroundings and align with the relevant Kernwaarde.
- Cohesion of design, function, and construction: The form of the building should logically follow its intended use and structural method.
- Balance between clarity and complexity: Designs should be clear and understandable while remaining intriguing or stimulating.
- Scale and proportions: Different parts of a building must relate to each other and the whole in a harmonious manner.
- Material, texture, color, and light: These elements must be coordinated to enhance the building's expression and character.
Deregulated Zones and the Excesses Regulation
In line with the goal of deregulation, the municipality has removed aesthetic oversight for specific areas and project types. In the achtererfgebied (the area behind the main building), no aesthetic review is conducted, even for projects that are not permit-free under national law.
However, the Excessenregeling (Excesses Regulation) acts as a safety net. This allows the municipality to intervene if a structure's appearance is in serious conflict with reasonable aesthetic requirements in a way that is evident even to non-experts. Criteria for 'excesses' include:
- Partial collapse or severe external damage to a building.
- Disturbance of facade detailing by intrusive installations.
- Severe neglect, such as boarded-up windows or peeling paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Veldhoven still use a traditional Welstandsnota?
No, the traditional Welstandsnota has been replaced by the Ambitiedocument Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit, which uses broader architectural principles and core values instead of rigid rules.
Are building plans in backyards subject to aesthetic review?
In areas defined as achtererfgebied under the Besluit omgevingsrecht (Bor), the municipality of Veldhoven no longer tests the appearance of buildings against aesthetic criteria.
What are the five architectural principles used for assessment?
The five principles are: the relation between building and environment; cohesion of design, function, and construction; balance between clarity and complexity; scale and proportions; and the use of material, texture, color, and light.
How does the municipality handle national monuments?
National monuments (rijksmonumenten) are governed by the Erfgoedwet (Heritage Act) and require advice from an independent monument commission for any building plans.
What is the role of the Kwaliteitsteam Brainport Avenue?
This regional team advises the municipality on buildings and developments located within the influence zone of major highways like the N2/A2 and A67.
Can I build modern architecture in historical village cores?
Modern architecture is only permitted in historical cores in exceptional cases; the primary ambition for these areas is to maintain historical characteristics and cohesion.
How is sustainability integrated into building plans?
The municipality encourages the early integration of sustainability measures in the architectural design, and architectural principles are not allowed to restrict these measures.
What happens if a building is considered an 'excess'?
Under Article 13a of the Woningwet, the mayor and aldermen can order the owner to resolve serious aesthetic conflicts, such as severe neglect or structural collapse.
