Woonvisie Heerenveen 2023-2028 – Housing Strategy and Municipal Policy
The Woonvisie Heerenveen 2023-2028, titled Een buitengewone plek om thuis te komen, is the official housing strategy adopted by the Gemeente Heerenveen municipal council on October 19, 2023. It establishes the legal and policy framework for residential development, social cohesion, and sustainability within the municipality for the five-year period. This document functions as a cornerstone for future spatial planning, including the Omgevingsplan, and serves as the basis for performance agreements with housing corporations and regional housing deals in Zuidoost Fryslân.
The strategy governs various regulatory domains, including housing production targets, affordability thresholds, and the integration of care within residential environments. It defines concrete objectives such as the addition of at least 2,000 homes by 2030 and a mandatory 30% share for social rental housing in new developments. The document categorizes municipal settlements into a hierarchy ranging from the Hoofdkern (Heerenveen) and Grote kernen (Jubbega, Oude/Nieuwehorne) to Middelgrote kernen and Kleine kernen, each with specific development frameworks. Key themes include Mienskip (community), climate-adaptive construction, and the transition to a gas-free built environment.
This policy guide provides detailed requirements for developers, architects, and housing providers regarding the qualitative and quantitative housing needs of Heerenveen, focusing on starters, seniors, and vulnerable target groups.
Quantitative Housing Targets and Distribution
The municipality aims to add a minimum of 2,000 homes to its stock by 2030 to accommodate demographic growth and household thinning. For planning purposes, a capacity of 130% is maintained to compensate for potential delays or project cancellations.
- Hoofdkern Heerenveen: Targeted for 1,400 to 2,300 new units, focusing on high-density areas like the Stationgebied and Stadiongebied.
- Akkrum-Nes: Positioned as a secondary growth hub with a target of 200 to 300 homes.
- Grote kernen (Jubbega, Oude/Nieuwehorne): Combined target of 150 homes to support local facilities.
- Middelgrote kernen: Includes Aldeboarn, De Knipe, Oranjewoud, Oudeschoot, and Tjalleberd, with a combined goal of 150 homes based on local demand.
- Infill vs. Expansion: Priority is given to Inbreiding (infill development) within existing urban boundaries before considering Uitbreiding (expansion) on greenfield sites.
Affordability and Pricing Categories
To ensure housing accessibility, the document specifies a target distribution across various price segments. At least two-thirds of new housing production must consist of social rent, affordable rent, or affordable purchase homes.
- Sociale huur: Targeted at 30% of the total program, with a maximum monthly rent of €808.06 (2023 price level).
- Goedkope koop: Purchase homes priced up to €250,000, specifically intended for starters.
- Betaalbare koop: Homes priced up to €355,000, aligning with regional affordability standards.
- Middeldure huur: Rental units between €808.06 and €1,000 per month.
- Through-flow (Doorstroming): Encouraging seniors to move to smaller, suitable homes to free up larger houses for families.
Housing and Care Integration
With an aging population, the strategy emphasizes Inclusief wonen (inclusive living) and the creation of a varied Woonzorglandschap (housing-care landscape).
- Levensloopgeschikt wonen: Requirement for homes that allow residents to age in place, featuring zero-step access and ground-floor amenities.
- Geclusterd wonen: Encouragement of housing forms like hofjes, knarrenhoven, and senior-specific apartments that foster social contact and shared care.
- Aandachtsgroepen: Specific housing strategies for Spoedzoekers (urgent seekers), Statushouders (permit holders), and international workers.
- Mantelzorgwoningen: Regulations for placing temporary care units on private property to support informal caregiving.
Sustainability and Climate Adaptation
New developments must adhere to strict environmental standards to achieve a gas-free municipality by 2050 and significant CO2 reduction by 2030.
- BENG standards: New buildings must be Bijna Energie Neutrale Gebouwen (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings).
- Circular construction: Maximizing the use of recycled and bio-based materials to reduce the CO2 footprint.
- Climate adaptation: Requirement for green roofs, permeable paving, and water storage solutions to combat heat stress and flooding.
- Energy transition: Phasing out natural gas in existing neighborhoods through Wijkuitvoeringsplannen (WUP).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many new homes does Heerenveen plan to build by 2030?
The municipality aims to add at least 2,000 homes by 2030, with a target range of up to 3,000 depending on regional growth scenarios.
What is the required percentage of social housing in new projects?
Heerenveen requires a minimum of 30% of new housing production to be allocated to the social rental sector.
What are the price limits for 'affordable purchase' homes in Heerenveen?
According to the 2023 price levels, 'cheap purchase' is up to €250,000 and 'affordable purchase' is up to €355,000.
Which areas are prioritized for high-density housing?
High-density development is focused on the Stationgebied and Stadiongebied (A32 zone) in the town of Heerenveen.
What is the policy for housing in smaller villages?
In smaller cores, housing is primarily built to meet local demand (lokaal maatwerk), emphasizing infill development and preserving the village character.
When does Heerenveen aim to be completely gas-free?
The municipality follows the national Klimaatakkoord target to have a gas-free built environment by the year 2050.
What are 'aandachtsgroepen' in the housing strategy?
These are priority groups including urgent seekers, status holders, people leaving protected housing, and international workers who require specific housing solutions.
Is circular building mandatory for new projects?
The document states that by 2050 all new construction must be 100% circular, with current projects encouraged to maximize reuse and bio-based materials.
