Uddel is one of the twelve villages in the municipality of Apeldoorn. It is beautifully situated in the heart of the Veluwe – a green agricultural area surrounded by vast forests. It is home to over 3,000 people, including many entrepreneurs and young families. Uddel is therefore a vibrant village. Bucking the trend, its population is growing. It has a thriving community life and an active church community.
General statistics on the neighbourhood show that Uddel is a lovely place to live. In many respects, the village scores higher than the average for the municipality of Apeldoorn. People generally feel in good health. They feel they receive sufficient support from those around them. The population is very diverse, ranging from young to old. And unemployment is low.
We also asked residents to complete questionnaires about living in Uddel. And we had further discussions with them about current issues. You then realise that the people of Uddel feel a strong sense of connection to their village. Many people find life here to be good. Consequently, they give living here a good rating: a 7.9.
But there are also some areas of concern. For young people, for example, there isn’t much to do in the neighbourhood. There are also quite a lot of people (30%) who feel somewhat or very lonely. The range of shops is under pressure. And for farmers and business owners in this area, it is a very tense time because of the nitrogen issue.
Together, we’re going to look at how we can keep Uddel thriving in the future. What do young and older people need, for example? How can farmers and other business owners tackle the challenges? What are people’s housing needs? How do we ensure there are still enough shops? So we’re tackling a number of major issues. In doing so, we’ll be keeping the unique character of Uddel in mind.
In the coming period, we will be focusing particularly on six themes. Firstly, the social environment: how do we ensure that young and old alike continue to feel at home? We are also exploring how entrepreneurs and farmers can thrive. Housing and public spaces are on the agenda. For example, the demand for housing for first-time buyers. We are looking at traffic and safety, and we are investing in sustainability. The focus on the village’s identity runs like a common thread through all these areas of focus
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Youth participation and a meeting place for young people |
We are setting up a focus group to represent all young people in Uddel. We are also looking for a suitable venue for a meeting place. |
Uddel Samen, local council, Stimenz/Samen055, police, SCU, schools |
|
Digitally savvy older people |
Through a course, we help older people to use services such as DigiD and government websites. |
CODA, municipality, Stimenz/Samen055 |
|
Uddel Area Vision 2040 |
Together with residents, business owners and others, we are drawing up a plan for a liveable and vibrant Uddel in 2040. We are seeking to strike a balance between nature, agriculture, housing, business and leisure. |
Uddel Onderneemt, Uddels Belang, local council, county council, water board |
|
Better cooperation between the local council and business owners/farmers |
Farmers, the local council, the county council and the water board are holding discussions on key issues. Other businesses in Uddel and the local council also meet regularly. |
Uddel Onderneemt, farmers, local council, county council, water board |
|
Less waste and more greenery in the village |
We’ll ensure there are enough rubbish bins at meeting places. We’re also looking into whether more dog-walking areas can be created. And we’re working on making the village greener. For example, residents will be given the opportunity to add greenery to their gardens. |
Uddels Belang, municipality, residents |
|
Active (neighbourhood) crime prevention |
We’ll be discussing how to make the most of the neighbourhood watch app. And we’ll be promoting the police consultation hours. |
Neighbourhood Watch group, police, BOA, Uddels Belang |
|
A safe rural area |
Together, we are drawing up a plan to prevent or tackle drug-related nuisance and crime in rural areas. |
Working Group on Rural Safety |
|
Sustainable homes and businesses |
Through research and advice, we help residents and business owners to make their homes and premises more sustainable. |
Uddel Energiek, National Energy Platform, Cleantech Regio, local council, Energie-punt, residents, businesses |
|
Preserving Uddel’s unique character |
We bring colour to Uddel with the annual Shepherds’ Festival, the Bee Market, the St Nicholas Festival and the Summer Market. We also devote time to supporting local clubs and preserving the peace and quiet of Sundays. |
Uddels Belang, Uddel Samen, Uddel Onderneemt, Uddel Energiek, other associations, residents |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Less crime and behaviour that crosses the line |
We’re talking to young people and their parents about behaviour. We’re helping girls to become more self-assured. And we’re looking into whether we can organise more activities for young people. |
Uddel Samen, local council, Stimenz/Samen055, police |
|
Space for businesses, preserving shops |
We are expanding the industrial estate. We are also looking at ways to prevent farmhouses from standing empty. And we are ensuring that shops in the village centre can continue to operate. |
Uddel Onderneemt, Uddels Belang, local council, county council |
|
More space for different types of housing |
We are investigating the level of demand for housing for first-time buyers and older people. And there will be more opportunities for people to set up housing projects in partnership with others. |
Uddels Belang, local council, property developers |
|
Safer roads in and around Uddel |
Less traffic, safe crossing points, fewer speeders: we are looking into how we can make the roads in and around Uddel safer. |
Uddels Belang, Uddel Onderneemt, local council, county council |
|
Generating energy locally |
We are looking into whether we can produce green gas in Uddel through manure digestion. |
Uddel Energiek, National Energy Platform, Cleantech Regio, local authority |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Young and old alike are better able to cope |
We organise activities that help people of all ages to look after themselves better. We also explore ways of strengthening the bond between young and old. |
Uddel Samen, local authority, Stimenz/Samen055 |
|
A warm welcome for the Marine Corps deployment |
The Marine Corps barracks in Nieuw Milligen is due to open in 2028. We are looking into the implications this will have for traffic and local business activity. |
Uddel Onderneemt, the local council, the provincial authorities, the Ministry of Defence |
|
More space for businesses and (day) leisure activities |
We are looking into whether there is scope to create more space for businesses, for example by developing a new business park. And we are exploring ways to expand leisure activities (including day trips) and the hospitality sector. |
Uddel Onderneemt, Uddels Belang, local council, county council |
|
Growth in the number of homes |
We are ensuring that Uddel grows by 100–250 homes: more housing for young and old alike. |
Uddels Belang, local council, property developers |
|
Safer roads in and around Uddel |
We are also looking into how we can make the roads safer in the long term. |
Uddels Belang, Uddel Onderneemt, local council, county council, police |
|
Uddel generates its own energy |
Ultimately, Uddel would like to generate all its own energy. That is why we are raising people’s awareness of their energy consumption. How can you use energy sparingly, so that less energy is needed? |
Uddel Energiek, municipality |
Would you like more information about the vitality agenda?
Get in touch
