Oude IJsselstreek Housing Vision 2018 – Residential Development Policy Framework
The Woonvisie 2018, titled Flexibel reageren op nieuwe en andere woonvragen, is the official housing policy framework for the municipality of Oude IJsselstreek, Netherlands. Established by the municipal council in December 2017 as the successor to the 2008 vision, this document provides the strategic basis for annual performance agreements (Prestatieafspraken) between the municipality, housing associations like Wonion, and tenant organizations. It operates within the statutory requirements of the Woningwet 2015 and the regional guidelines of the Regionale Woonagenda Achterhoek.
The document addresses the challenges of demographic shifts, specifically a projected population decline of 10% over the next 30 years and the ongoing trend of household thinning. The regulatory scope covers social housing stock, housing-care integration (Woonzorg), sustainability (Verduurzaming), and the maintenance of the existing housing stock across the five major centers—Varsseveld, Terborg, Silvolde, Ulft, and Gendringen—as well as eight smaller villages and the rural buitengebied. It incorporates findings from the Achterhoeks Woonwensen en Leefbaarheid-Onderzoek (AWLO) to align housing production with the actual needs of residents.
This framework outlines specific measures to manage vacancy rates, promote energy-neutral renovations, and adapt the housing stock for an aging population. It serves as a building block for the upcoming municipal Omgevingsvisie, ensuring that residential growth is balanced with the preservation of regional livability.
Social Housing Stock and Affordability
The primary focus for the social rental sector is maintaining affordability and managing wait times through the principle of Passend toewijzen (suitable allocation) as mandated by the 2015 Housing Act.
- Maximum Wait Time: A target of a one-year average waiting period for housing seekers with incomes below the housing benefit threshold.
- Allocation Thresholds: At least 95% of households entitled to housing benefits must be assigned a home with a rent below the applicable capping limits (aftoppingsgrenzen).
- Income-Based Allocation: At least 80% of vacant social units must be allocated to households with an annual income below €36,165 (2017 levels).
- Target Groups: Focus on creating a greater supply for small households and managing the outflow from protected housing (Beschermd Wonen) and social relief (Maatschappelijke Opvang).
Integrated Housing and Care (Woonzorg)
As the number of residents aged 85 and older is projected to increase by 172% by 2046, the policy emphasizes extramuralization—allowing seniors to live independently at home longer with care provided on-site.
- Life-Cycle Suitability: Encouraging renovations that make private homes accessible for wheelchairs and suitable for ground-floor living.
- Intramural Capacity: Monitoring the shift in care requirements to ensure sufficient capacity for dementia care and severe somatic conditions.
- Collective Housing: Researching new intermediate housing forms, such as the Knarrenhof concept, which provides a protected living environment with nearby care services.
- Mantelzorg Facilities: Utilizing the Huisvestingswet to facilitate temporary housing for informal caregivers in close proximity to those in need, particularly in rural areas.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
The municipality has set a target to be energy-neutral by 2030, focusing heavily on the private housing stock which constitutes 75% of the total market.
- Energy Neutrality (5.1a): Intensifying the activities of the Energieloket VerduurSaam to advise homeowners on energy-saving measures and individual energy generation.
- Circular Economy (5.1b): Implementing The Natural Step (TNS) method to reduce the use of primary raw materials by 50% by 2030.
- Financial Instruments: Providing access to the Duurzaamheidslening (Sustainability Loan) and investigating the Blijverslening to finance home adaptations.
- Gas-Free New Builds: Aligning with national policy to ensure new homes are not connected to the gas grid by the end of the cabinet period.
Housing Stock Management and Flexibility
Due to regional agreements to limit new construction in response to population decline, the municipality operates under a strict Woningbouwplanning (WBP) quota.
- New Construction Quota: A remaining contingent of 237 homes as of January 2016 to be utilized for starters, small households, and seniors.
- Temporary Housing: Stimulating the use of Tiny Houses and temporary units to address peak demand and housing for status holders, with a maximum duration of 10 years.
- Farm Splitting: Investigating options for splitting vacant agricultural buildings in the buitengebied to create new residential units within existing footprints.
- Sloopfonds: Collaborating on a regional demolition fund to remove high-vacancy, low-quality properties (rotte appels) from the market to maintain overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the target waiting time for social housing in Oude IJsselstreek?
The municipality strives for a maximum average waiting time of one year for all social housing seekers.
How many new homes can be built in Oude IJsselstreek until 2025?
According to the Woningbouwplanning (WBP), the remaining contingent as of early 2016 was 237 homes.
What is the goal for energy neutrality in the municipality?
The municipality aims to be completely energy-neutral by 2030, with a 50% reduction in the use of primary raw materials.
Can I split a farm building into multiple residences?
The policy allows for investigating farm splitting (woningsplitsing) in the rural buitengebied, particularly to facilitate informal care (mantelzorg) or new living-working combinations.
What financial assistance is available for home sustainability?
Residents can access the Duurzaamheidslening (Sustainability Loan) through the Energieloket to finance energy-saving measures.
What is 'The Natural Step' mentioned in the policy?
The Natural Step (TNS) is an integrated method for circular economy and sustainability that the municipality applies to its own projects and encourages for others.
How does the municipality address the housing needs of seniors?
The focus is on making existing homes life-cycle proof and stimulating the development of collective housing forms like the Knarrenhof.
What happens to temporary housing like Tiny Houses after 10 years?
Temporary residential permits are granted for a maximum of 10 years, after which the temporary designation is lifted.
