Woonvisie Gemeente Reimerswaal – Local Housing Strategy and Development Framework
The Woonvisie Gemeente Reimerswaal, titled Een evenwichtige woningmarkt in leefbare vitale kernen, is the official municipal housing policy adopted by the Municipality of Reimerswaal. Published on March 5, 2020, and prepared in collaboration with Stec Groep, this document serves as a strategic framework for housing development and management through 2030. It functions within the broader legal context of the Woningwet (2015) and aligns with the regional Woonvisie De Bevelanden 2019-2023 and the Ladder voor duurzame verstedelijking (Ladder for Sustainable Urbanization).
The policy governs housing activities across the seven distinct cores of the municipality: Krabbendijke, Kruiningen, Oostdijk, Hansweert, Rilland, Waarde, and Yerseke. It addresses quantitative needs, targeting a net increase of 350 to 450 dwellings by 2030, while emphasizing qualitative improvements such as levensloopbestendig wonen (lifetime-resilient living) and sustainability. The document outlines specific action plans for the existing post-war housing stock, sustainability transitions including gas-free requirements, and specialized housing for seniors, starters, and labor migrants.
This vision provides the formal basis for annual prestatieafspraken (performance agreements) with the housing association Beveland Wonen and acts as an assessment framework for new private and commercial building initiatives.
Housing Market Trends and Household Projections
The municipality anticipates continued household growth through 2030, contrasting with trends in other parts of Zeeland. The peak growth period is expected to occur before 2025, with an average increase of 50 households per year, tapering to 30 per year thereafter. Current demographic data indicates:
- Aging Population: A significant increase in households aged 75 and older is projected.
- Shrinking Starter Demographic: A decline in the number of couples and singles under 35 years of age.
- Family Dominance: Families remain the largest household group, currently comprising 40% of the total population.
- Negative Migration Balance: Despite a high natural birth rate, more residents are leaving the municipality than arriving from other areas.
New Construction and Core-Specific Planning
The Woningbouwplanning Reimerswaal seeks to balance supply across all villages. While Kruiningen and Yerseke show the highest demand, the strategy notes that plans in Krabbendijke and Kruiningen currently exceed projected demand, while Hansweert, Rilland, Waarde, and Yerseke require additional capacity.
- Yerseke: Focus on adding 175–200 units, specifically ground-bound rental properties and mid-to-high segment detached or semi-detached homes in the Steehof neighborhood.
- Krabbendijke: Transitioning away from young single-person housing toward larger family homes and lifetime-resilient units on the former gas factory and auction sites.
- Hansweert: Preference for development south and east of the Sloestraat, focusing on lifetime-resilient units to replace older stock.
- Waarde: Prioritizing the Annahof project and potential expansion of Dorpszicht to meet the needs of an aging population.
Sustainability and Lifetime-Resilient Housing
In accordance with the Wet Voortgang Energietransitie, all new construction must be aardgasvrij (gas-free) since July 2018. The municipality aims for a CO2-neutral housing stock, emphasizing the following measures:
- Energy Labels: A goal for Beveland Wonen to achieve an average EPA-label B across its social housing stock by the end of 2022.
- Blijverslening: A revolving loan scheme intended for residents up to 75 years old to finance home modifications for aging in place.
- Duurzaamheidslening: Loans specifically for energy-efficiency improvements in the private sector.
- Verzilverlening: An 'equity release' loan allowing older homeowners to use the value of their property for modifications.
Management of Existing Housing Stock
Approximately 95% of the housing required for 2030 is already built. The policy identifies the post-war reconstruction period (1945–1990) as a particular concern, as these buildings often fail to meet modern quality and sustainability standards. Actions include:
- Opplussen: Physical interventions to increase living space and value in small, older dwellings.
- Transformation: Encouraging the conversion of vacant retail and catering properties in village centers into residential units for seniors.
- KLUS Method: Actively addressing dilapidated properties (verpaupering) by engaging owners via the KrottenLijst UitvoeringsStrategie approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of new houses planned for Reimerswaal by 2030?
The municipality targets an increase of approximately 350 to 450 dwellings between 2019 and 2030 to accommodate projected household growth.
Are new housing developments in Reimerswaal required to be gas-free?
Yes, following the Wet Voortgang Energietransitie, all new residential buildings approved after July 2018 must be constructed without a natural gas connection (aardgasvrij).
What financial assistance is available for residents to modify their homes for senior living?
The municipality offers the Blijverslening, a revolving loan for residents up to 75 years old, and the Verzilverlening, which allows homeowners to use built-up equity for home modifications.
Which villages are currently prioritized for additional housing capacity?
Additional capacity is specifically sought for Hansweert, Rilland, Waarde, and Yerseke to correct an existing imbalance where Krabbendijke and Kruiningen have a relative surplus of planned units.
How does the municipality handle vacant shops or commercial buildings in village centers?
The housing vision encourages the transformation of vacant retail and catering spaces into residential units, particularly those suitable for seniors who wish to live near amenities.
What is the policy for housing seasonal labor migrants?
The municipality employs a 'cirkelbeleid' (circle policy) to ensure migrants are distributed across different cores to prevent over-concentration, while promoting facilities that meet the SNF quality mark.
