Woon(zorg)visie 2022-2026 – Housing and Care Policy for Ooststellingwerf
The Woon(zorg)visie 2022-2026 is the official housing and care policy document for the Municipality of Ooststellingwerf, Netherlands. Published on December 14, 2021, this report serves as a formal implementation and extension of the municipal Omgevingsvisie (Spatial Vision). It was developed in response to the Woningwet 2021 (Housing Act), which mandates that municipalities establish their housing policies in a formal vision document. The document outlines the strategic direction for the local housing market, specifically addressing the intersection of residential development and professional care requirements.
The scope of the vision covers the period up to 2026 with a long-term outlook to 2030. It categorizes regulatory goals into four primary themes: Growth Scenarios, Mismatch between Demand and Supply, Housing and Care, and Livability and Sustainability. The framework applies to the main residential centers of Oosterwolde, Appelscha, and Haulerwijk, as well as smaller villages including Donkerbroek and Oldeberkoop. Key structural elements include the Toetsingskader woningbouw (Housing Development Assessment Framework), which provides qualitative and quantitative criteria for new construction projects.
This document establishes concrete targets for housing production, affordability segments, and specialized care housing. It provides a roadmap for collaboration between the municipality, housing corporations like WoonFriesland and Actium, and private developers to meet the shifting demographic needs of the region.
Housing Growth Scenarios and Production Targets
Based on housing market research, the municipality identifies a significant increase in the number of households. The document adopts a high-growth scenario to alleviate market pressure and support the local economy.
- Target Volume: A growth scenario of 520 additional dwellings until 2030.
- Priority Locations: Planned new construction is primarily directed at the core villages of Oosterwolde, Appelscha, and Haulerwijk.
- Village Scale: Smaller additions are permitted in other villages, provided they align with the local nature and scale of the settlement.
- Flexibility: Production is phased to allow for scaling up or down based on economic conditions and actual household growth.
Market Segments and Affordability Requirements
The policy aims to correct the mismatch between current supply and the needs of low-to-middle income groups, starters, and seniors. It mandates specific shares for different housing segments in new developments.
- Social Rent: A requirement of 25% for social rental housing, primarily managed by corporations.
- Middle Rent: A target of 5% for rental units priced between €750 and €1,000 per month.
- Affordable Purchase: 40% of new builds must be affordable owner-occupied homes (up to the NHG limit), with a focus on units under €250,000.
- Free Space: The remaining 30% is reserved for various housing types, including high-end landscape-integrated living.
Integration of Housing and Care
A core ambition is to enable residents with care needs to live independently for as long as possible. The document defines specific housing concepts to support this objective.
- Geclusterd wonen (Clustered Living): Housing forms with 10 or more units including a shared welfare facility, such as Knarrenhoven or senior apartments.
- Gespikkeld wonen (Scattered Living): Independent dwellings located near care clusters where residents can access professional support services.
- Care Capacity: A projected shortage of 20 somatic care spots and 50 psychogeriatric (PG) care spots by 2030 is identified.
- Pre-care Housing: Support for temporary or permanent mantelzorgwoningen (care units on the same plot as a main residence).
Toetsingskader Woningbouw (Assessment Framework)
This framework replaces the previous Afwegingskader Woningbouw and is used to evaluate new housing initiatives based on two steps: a quantitative test and a qualitative test.
- Quantitative Test: Evaluates if the number of planned houses fits within the 320 to 520 unit growth scenario.
- Qualitative Test: Assesses project quality based on sustainability, circular materials, and meeting the specific needs of village clusters.
- Innovation: Priority is given to circular construction, timber frame housing, and tiny houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total housing target for Ooststellingwerf by 2030?
The municipality has set a growth target of 520 additional dwellings to be realized by the year 2030.
What percentage of new housing must be social rental units?
New housing programs are required to include 25% social rental housing to meet the needs of lower-income residents.
What are the price limits for affordable purchase homes in the vision?
Affordable purchase homes are defined as those priced up to the NHG limit (€355,000 in 2022), with specific goals for units priced at €250,000 or lower.
What care housing concepts are prioritized in the policy?
The policy prioritizes 'geclusterd wonen' (clustered housing like Knarrenhoven) and 'gespikkeld wonen' (scattered care-integrated housing) near existing facilities.
When does the municipality intend to be energy neutral?
Ooststellingwerf aims to be fully energy neutral by the year 2030, which includes sustainable new builds and retrofitting existing stock.
What are the requirements for sustainability in new builds?
New buildings must at minimum meet the BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Building) standards and be completely gas-free.
Does the municipality support Tiny Houses?
Yes, the municipality promotes local initiatives for 'tiny houses' and demountable housing concepts, particularly for starters.
Which villages are identified as core growth centers?
The core villages for plan-based new construction are Oosterwolde, Appelscha, and Haulerwijk.
