Volkshuisvestingsprogramma Heerde 2024-2028 – Municipal Housing Policy and Development Framework
The Volkshuisvestingsprogramma 2024-2028 is the official housing program issued by the Gemeente Heerde in the Netherlands. This policy document functions as a detailed elaboration of the municipal Omgevingsvisie (Environmental Vision) and aligns with the upcoming Omgevingswet (Environment and Planning Act) requirements. It replaces the previous Woonvisie and Woonagenda, establishing a statutory framework for housing development, affordability, and residential care integration for the 2024-2028 administrative period.
The program governs residential planning across five distinct centers: Heerde, Veessen, Vorchten, Hoorn, and Wapenveld. It outlines regulatory targets for adding approximately 850 new homes by 2030, in accordance with the Woondeal Stedendriehoek. The document defines specific requirements for building categories, including sociale huur (social rental), middenhuur (middle-market rental), and affordable owner-occupied housing. Key structural pillars of the policy include Pijler 1: een woning voor jong en oud, Pijler 2: wonen met ondersteuning en zorg, and Pijler 3: stimulerende woon- en leefomgeving.
The following sections provide technical details regarding housing thresholds, care-related building standards, and sustainability requirements for developers and planning professionals operating within the municipality.
Strategic Housing Ambitions and Development Targets
The municipality focuses on three core ambitions derived from the local Omgevingsvisie to ensure a balanced housing market. These objectives prioritize the addition of affordable units and the creation of an accessible public space that promotes health and social interaction.
- Valuable Housing: Ensuring sufficient affordable stock that meets the specific needs of different resident profiles.
- Positive Health: Designing environments that encourage movement and social encounters.
- Public Space as a Showcase: Creating multifunctional and accessible physical surroundings.
- Net Production Target: Realizing approximately 850 additional homes by 2030.
Housing for Starters and Seniors
The policy emphasizes the lack of affordable options for starters and the growing need for life-cycle proof housing for seniors. To facilitate movement in the housing market (doorstroming), specific financial and physical standards are applied to new projects.
- Social Rental Threshold: At least 30% of new developments must be social housing (below €879.66 per month at 2024 price levels).
- Affordability Quota: Two-thirds (2/3) of all new builds must be classified as affordable, including social rent, middle-market rent, or purchase prices up to €390,000.
- Entry-level Purchase: A distinct category for homes priced up to €275,000 is established to assist local starters.
- Life-cycle Proofing: Approximately 40% of new homes must be levensloopgeschikt (accessible and adaptable for long-term living).
Integration of Care and Special Needs Housing
With an aging population, the municipality requires the development of zorggeschikte woningen (care-suitable homes) and clustered living concepts. These must be strategically located near essential services and healthcare hubs like Wendakker, Brinkhoven, and Rehoboth.
- Priority Groups: Mandatory inclusion of medical urgent cases, homeless individuals, and institutional outflow in the municipal urgentieregeling (urgency regulation).
- Clustered Living: Facilitating initiatives that combine private dwellings with communal support areas.
- Noaberschap: Encouraging informal care and volunteerism through spatial design.
- Out-of-Town Care: Concentrating intensive care housing in the larger centers of Heerde and Wapenveld.
Sustainability and Infrastructure Principles
New developments must comply with national sustainability standards and the local Warmtetransitievisie 2022. The municipality aims for a climate-neutral built environment by 2050.
- STOP Principle: Infrastructure planning must prioritize pedestrians (Stappen), followed by cyclists (Trappen), public transport (OV), and finally passenger cars (Personenauto).
- Climate Adaptation: Implementation of the Landelijke Maatlat for green and climate-resilient urban environments.
- Energy Standards: Phasing out natural gas and promoting insulation through the municipal Isolatieprogramma.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new homes does Heerde plan to add by 2030?
The municipality has committed to a net addition of approximately 850 homes by the year 2030, as part of the regional Woondeal Stedendriehoek.
What is the price limit for an affordable purchase home in Heerde?
According to the 2024 price levels, affordable owner-occupied homes are those priced up to €390,000, with a special sub-category for starters up to €275,000.
Which percentage of new-build projects must be social rental housing?
At least 30% of new housing projects must consist of social rental units, defined by the rental limit of €879.66 as of January 2024.
What does the STOP principle mean for new infrastructure?
The STOP principle mandates a hierarchy in mobility planning: first pedestrians (Stappen), then cyclists (Trappen), followed by public transport (OV), and lastly passenger cars (Personenauto).
What are the requirements for senior-friendly housing?
Approximately 40% of new homes should be life-cycle proof (levensloopgeschikt), and intensive care housing should be concentrated near healthcare centers in Heerde and Wapenveld.
Are there specific rules for residential status holders and labor migrants?
The document identifies status holders and labor migrants as attention groups, requiring a fair contribution to their housing and integration into regular development plans.
