Woonvisie Schiermonnikoog 2024-2029 – Municipal Housing and Care Strategy
The Woonvisie Schiermonnikoog 2024-2029, titled Zorgeloos thuis op Schiermonnikoog, is the official policy document issued by the Gemeente Schiermonnikoog on January 31, 2024. This statute outlines the municipal strategy for housing and care over a five-year period, operating within the broader framework of the Nationale Woon- en Bouwagenda and the Woondeal Friese Waddeneilanden. It serves as a precursor to the mandatory Volkshuisvestingsprogramma required by the Wet Versterking Regie op de Volkshuisvesting as of 2026.
The document governs four primary regulatory domains: the sustainability of existing housing, qualitative new-build additions, the integration of housing and care, and the preservation of a livable environment. Its scope encompasses the entire island, including areas designated as beschermd dorpsgezicht (protected village scenery) and territories bordering the Nationaal Park Schiermonnikoog. The vision establishes concrete targets, such as the addition of 70 new homes by 2030, and defines critical thresholds for affordability, including social rent limits and maximum purchase prices for starters.
The following sections detail the specific administrative measures, building classifications, and planning procedures established by the municipality to manage the unique spatial constraints of the island's housing market.
Future-Proofing the Existing Housing Stock
The municipality prioritizes the sustainability and adaptability of the current housing supply, noting a significant sustainability gap in the private sector compared to corporation-owned properties. Administrative focus is directed toward the following areas:
- Sustainability: Enhancing energy labels for private rental and owner-occupied homes, particularly within the beschermd dorpsgezicht.
- Adaptability: Utilizing the verzilverlening, a loan for homeowners over 57 to fund senior-friendly home modifications.
- Policy Integration: Aligning the housing vision with the Wmo-beleidsplan (Social Support Act) to ensure homes remain suitable for aging residents.
New Construction and Qualitative Additions
With limited space due to Natura 2000 protections, new development is restricted to 70 units through 2030. The strategy emphasizes infill development (inbreiding) over expansion (uitbreiding). Priority is given to affordable housing for starters and students.
- Infill Locations: Sites include the Oude centrale, Locatie LOC, Oude Riich, Noorderstreek, and the Inspecteur Boelensschool.
- Expansion Locations: The Oost site and long-term potential for the Zuid area.
- Target Groups: Singles (10-15 units), couples (20-25 units), families (10-15 units), and students (4 units).
Housing, Care, and Welfare Integration
The island faces a 'triple aging' demographic challenge, necessitating a shift toward extramural care (care provided at home). The municipality aims to keep residents on the island as long as possible by developing mixed-use housing concepts.
- Geclusterd woonzorgconcept: Developing clustered care housing at the Oude Riich site near existing care centers.
- Hybride zorg: Promoting a mix of digital and physical care services to reduce the burden on personnel.
- Sociale basis: Strengthening informal care networks and creating a mantelzorgsteunpunt (support center for informal caregivers).
Livable Environment and Residency Regulations
To maintain the island's vitality, the document addresses the scarcity of housing caused by tourism and the need for seasonal personnel accommodations. It reinforces the principle that village housing is intended for permanent residency.
- Crucial Professions: Establishing priority allocation for social housing to individuals in essential island services.
- Personnel Housing: Investigating flexible, non-permanent concepts such as 'glamping-style' units for seasonal staff.
- Enforcement: Utilizing the Huisvestingsverordening to regulate against unauthorized tourist rentals of permanent dwellings via a required onttrekkingsvergunning (extraction permit).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum purchase price for affordable homes on Schiermonnikoog?
The municipality defines affordable purchase homes as those with a market price up to €300,000, specifically targeting starters and local households.
How many new houses will be built between 2024 and 2030?
The total target is 70 new homes, of which 16 were already completed in 2022, leaving a remaining goal of 54 units.
Who is eligible for the Verzilverlening loan?
Homeowners on the island who are 57 years of age or older can apply for this loan to make their homes senior-friendly or more sustainable.
What are the rental limits for social housing in this vision?
Social housing rent is capped at the second 'aftoppingsgrens', which is €693.60 per month.
Can permanent dwellings be used for recreational rental?
No, dwellings in the village are intended for permanent residency; use for recreational purposes requires an explicit onttrekkingsvergunning under the Huisvestingsverordening.
What is the Geclusterd Woonzorgconcept?
It is a planned housing development, primarily at the Oude Riich location, designed for people with care needs to live independently with support nearby.
What happens to the housing stock in the protected village area?
The beschermd dorpsgezicht status remains in effect to preserve traditional island architecture, though the vision encourages sustainable modifications that respect this status.
What is the priority policy for essential workers?
The municipality is working on a system to grant priority in social housing allocation to crucial professional groups that contribute to the island's vitality.
