Municipal council Decision on the citizens' initiative regarding court housing

On November 2, the Voorschoten Municipal Council ( municipal council ) decided to include the construction of courtyard homes as a key element in its Housing Vision. In September, the initiative group “Hofwonen in Voorschoten” submitted a citizens’ initiative to the council. The group collected more than 200 signatures in the village in support of this initiative. The goal of the proposal is for the municipality to create the “ Requirements ” (Courtyard Housing Program), which will encourage the development of courtyard housing in Voorschoten.

The Housing, Land Use, and Green Spaces Committee discussed the proposal on October 5. The initiators explained the proposal there. Hans van Brecht of the Knarrenhof Voorschoten Initiative Group: “People often make light of the ‘Knarrenhof’ and ‘Krasse Knarren’ phenomena. Personally, however, we see them more as ‘nicknames.’ In our view, they represent the modern senior who still contributes to society, who wants to remain independent for as long as possible, and who wants to rely as little as possible on regular Health and/or on the Health of any children. But who also realizes that old age, as the saying goes, ultimately does come with its limitations and wants to ‘prepare’ for that. Toward a Knarrenhof, for example…”

The “Hofwonen” initiative was submitted pursuant to the ordinance on citizens’ initiatives. It is the first citizens’ initiative in 20 years that the council has considered. Bert Jan Urban, clerk of the municipal council: “Residents can send letters, approach political parties, and speak before the committee. This example shows that they can also influence the council’s agenda. If the initiative meets the requirements set forth at Requirements , the council is required to discuss it and make a decision on it.”

At the council meeting on November 2, the council voted on the proposal. The construction of courtyard homes will be part of the Housing Vision that the council will adopt shortly. The council asked the “ executive board ” to specifically explore the possibilities, assist project initiators, and encourage developers to build courtyard homes.