Committee Discusses Policy Principles for the 2023 Housing Vision

September 4, 2023, 3:59 p.m.

Enough affordable housing for every demographic. That is the goal of the municipality of Voorschoten. The municipality has laid out its plans to achieve this goal in the Housing Vision 2023. On Thursday evening, September 7, the Housing, Land Use, and Green Spaces Committee will discuss the policy principles so that the municipality can finalize the Housing Vision before the end of this year.

The municipality of Voorschoten believes it is important to ensure there is sufficient affordable housing for every target group. In its Housing Vision 2023, it outlines its goals through 2030. The document also details what the municipality will do to achieve these goals, how it will do so, and how it will ensure their implementation.

Build More Housing for Young People, First-Time Homebuyers, and Seniors

“Under the previous policy, we aimed for 25% social housing and 20% mid-range rental housing and affordable owner-occupied homes,” says Alderman Hans van der Elst. “For new projects, we’re aiming for 30% social housing and 35% mid-range rental housing and low-cost—and affordable—owner-occupied homes. By building more affordable housing, we’ll create more opportunities for young people, first-time homebuyers, and seniors. We’re also exploring the possibility of giving these target groups appropriate priority. This desire was also highlighted in the survey of residents.”

During the committee meeting, representatives of the political parties will offer their input on the proposed policy principles. On September 28, the city council will make a decision on the matter.

Democratic decision

Once the policy principles have been established, the housing vision will be developed. It will then be back on the committee’s agenda on November 16, and on December 7, the city council will formally adopt the Housing Vision 2023. Alderman Van der Elst: “There are very few places left in Voorschoten where we can build new homes. But we recognize the urgency. With the Housing Vision 2023, we will soon have a democratic decision on how we’re going to address this.”

Those interested can watch the committee meeting live from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. from the gallery of the council chamber in City Hall. The meeting can also be viewed online or watched later on the city council’s website: voorschoten.bestuurlijkeinformatie.nl. More information about the Housing Vision 2023 can be found at www.voorschoten.nl/woonvisie-2023.