The local development plan for approximately 470 homes in building blocks A and B has become final following the ruling by the Council of State. This marks the completion of the planning procedure, and further detailed planning can now proceed. In addition, a number of residents raised various questions, particularly regarding the traffic situation.
During the meeting, those present were briefed on the next steps in the project and the further development of the area. There was also an opportunity to ask questions, raise points for consideration and discuss the further development of the plans with one another. Below is a summary of the various presentations and the answers to the questions raised in response to these presentations. .
Presentation by the developers of building blocks A and B
During the meeting, the developers of building blocks A and B outlined the plans for the area. They noted that the project has been a long process. Since planning began in May 2019, work has been carried out on various plans, such as the urban development plan. Various studies have been carried out, such as the soil remediation study. Several procedures have also been completed.
The plans for building blocks A and B have been further developed following the adoption of the local plan. In doing so, the guiding principles set out in the local plan have been taken into account.
Two multi-storey car parks are being built to meet the parking needs within the area. The designs for Block A were recently discussed by the planning committee. An environmental permit has been applied for in respect of Block A4.
Condorweg 8, a listed building, is to be used for catering and/or community facilities such as a parcel collection point or a bicycle repair shop. At Kanaal Zuid 12, there is an existing building with space for light catering. The aim is to encourage people to spend time and socialise in the area.
The plan includes the creation of plenty of green space. Within the building blocks, we are creating a green courtyard garden with plenty of trees. Among other things, this green space helps to keep the area cool during hot spells and provides a place for people to meet and relax.
Discussions are taking place with the utility companies regarding the connections within the area.
When carrying out the work, we take the surrounding area into account as much as possible. We carry out remediation work, infrastructure construction and earthworks within the project area itself as far as possible, in order to minimise disruption to the neighbourhood.
Presentation on traffic and mobility
During the presentation, the council explained that the development of the area will take into account not only the current traffic situation, but also future developments. This will involve considering Apeldoorn’s expected growth and the construction of new homes in the city.
The local council faces the challenge of building enough new homes whilst at the same time ensuring that Apeldoorn remains a pleasant, green and easily accessible place to live. That is why it is seeking to strike the right balance between housing, traffic and quality of life.
Mobility policy focuses on reducing car use and encouraging more cycling, walking and shared transport. It also assumes fewer parking spaces per household than was previously the norm. This is in keeping with an urban environment where amenities and public transport are close by.
In addition, the council is working on improving the urban ring road. This will enable traffic to be channelled more effectively around the city in future. Within the city, this will create more space for housing, green spaces and an attractive living environment.
It was also explained that the city centre is set to become greener and that new developments must contribute to a pleasant and future-proof city.
The new Kayersmolen-Noord residential area will be connected to the Kayersdijk. It has been explained that the Laan van de Mensenrechten forms part of Apeldoorn’s inner ring road. As this is a major thoroughfare used by a large volume of traffic, the council does not wish to create any new direct junctions here.
The traffic studies examined various options for traffic management. These looked at the accessibility of the area, the routes to the motorway and the options for entering and exiting the area safely.
The Mezenweg was also considered as a possible route towards the Matenpoort. However, the Apeldoorns Canal and the railway line present a physical barrier. Furthermore, the Ministry does not permit any new level railway crossings. The only exception to this rule is for the fire service.
Traffic studies show that the development of Kayersmolen-Noord is feasible from a traffic management perspective. However, a number of junctions will be modified to ensure traffic flows smoothly and safely. Local residents living directly adjacent to these junctions will be informed of this separately.
The following junctions, amongst others, were examined:
The necessary measures must ensure that the new residential area is safely and effectively connected to the existing roads. As regards the Kayersdijk – Laan van de Mensenrechten junction, the final layout will depend in part on future developments in sub-area (plot) C.
Parking
As described earlier, the developer is constructing two multi-storey car parks in the area. It was indicated during the meeting that additional parking measures may be required. The local authority wishes to prevent residents and visitors to the new homes from parking their cars in the surrounding streets.
One possible solution is to extend the area covered by parking permits, for example by expanding the existing permit zone around ROC Aventus.
The intention is that future residents of Kayersmolen-Noord will not be able to apply for a parking permit for this zone. In this way, the council aims to prevent residents of the new-build development from parking their cars in the existing residential areas.
Explanatory remarks by Councillor Messerschmidt
During the meeting, Councillor Messerschmidt explained why this housing development is important to the council. It was pointed out that Apeldoorn faces a major housing challenge and that the construction of new homes is essential to meet the growing demand for housing.
There are various housing development sites that contribute to this challenge. These include Veldhuis, De Oranjerie and Stadscoulissen, which have been identified as key development sites within the Kanaalzone and Spoorzone areas. In addition, the development of Beekbergsebroek is expected to contribute to the housing challenge from around 2029/2030 onwards.
The starting point for these developments is the Apeldoorn Municipal Environmental Vision. This sets out that around 12,500 homes are to be built by 2040.
Development of building blocks A and B is continuing, with building block C set to follow at a later date. No planning permission has yet been granted for building block C.
The developer of building blocks A and B has stated that interested parties can register via the developer’s website. On www.condorpark.nl Information about the properties and price ranges will be shared as soon as it becomes available. This is expected to be by the end of 2026.
The developer of building blocks A and B has indicated that work will begin on sub-area A first. Remediation work on building blocks A and B will commence after the summer holidays. The homes will then be brought to market in phases.
Those present asked why local residents had not been informed earlier about the plans for building blocks A and B. The developer of building blocks A and B stated that, due to protracted proceedings before the Council of State and the associated risks to the development, the decision had been taken not to communicate actively at an earlier stage. The proceedings took much longer than expected. However, two information evenings had previously been held regarding the urban development plan and, later, the zoning plan. The Council of State’s ruling could have affected the overall plan. We wanted to wait for that. In hindsight, we could have provided updates on the progress of the proceedings in the meantime.
Questions have been raised regarding the number of visitor parking spaces. The local authority has explained that the plan is in line with the local parking policy. This policy is based on 0.15 visitor parking spaces per dwelling. As part of the plan for 470 homes, two multi-storey car parks will be built, each with 211 parking spaces. These will be used by residents and visitors to fields A and B (dual use). The car parks will not be accessible to local residents or their visitors.
Those present indicated that visitors to ROC Aventus are currently experiencing parking problems. The area around ROC Aventus is to be further expanded in terms of permitted parking. For existing residents who are eligible, a parking permit will be provided free of charge. In addition, options for visitor parking spaces in the neighbourhood are being explored.
Parking for visitors to the new homes will be provided in the multi-storey car parks to be built. This is not the case for visitors to existing homes. If parking facilities are created for those visitors, they will most likely be paid parking facilities.
A resident living opposite Condorweg has raised concerns about the glare from the headlights of cars leaving Condorweg. The council has indicated that it will work with residents to explore the options and discuss the matter.
A resident of Laan van de Mensenrechten pointed out that, in practice, there is insufficient parking capacity for visitors.
One of those present criticised the transport policy and the transport planning decisions within the area.
Enquiries have been made regarding the prices of the properties. The developer of building blocks A and B has indicated that the threshold for affordable owner-occupied homes is now €420,000. In addition, approximately 30% of the homes fall into the high-price category (> €420,000). The final sale prices have not yet been set and are expected to be determined in about six months’ time. In this context, one interested party has enquired about affordable homes for young people.
Those present indicated that they felt residents were being disadvantaged by the division of the project. The council explained that the overall (urban development) plan covers sub-areas A, B and C. In practice, it became apparent that the plan for sub-area C had stalled; consequently, a phased approach was adopted. This enabled sub-areas A and B to be developed more quickly.
The developer of building blocks A and B has stated that the final property prices cannot be determined until the costs are sufficiently clear. Prices may still change due to rising costs and market developments. The final sale prices will be determined in consultation with the estate agent, amongst others.
Several attendees expressed concerns about future traffic volumes and road safety. Questions were also raised regarding traffic flow on the Kayersdijk and the Laan van de Mensenrechten. The council has indicated that traffic developments are being assessed within a wider area. As part of this, various projects – including their impact on traffic volumes – are being analysed to ensure that quality of life and accessibility are maintained.
Councillor Messerschmidt explained that more activities are taking place at Building 055 than are permitted (it is intended solely as a church centre). As a result, the number of visitors has increased at weekends and on weekdays. The council is enforcing the agreements made and has already imposed an order subject to a penalty payment in this regard.
The local authority has stated that road safety is a key prerequisite for the development of the area; this is also set out in the local plan. A separate residents’ meeting will be organised for those living in the immediate vicinity to discuss the layout of the Kayersdijk.
Residents can sign up for a regular newsletter providing an overview of the various projects in the Spoorzone. One resident has also expressed a wish to receive updates on Kayersmolen Noord more frequently than once a quarter.
A question has been raised regarding the timetable for development block C. The developer of development block C has stated that the planning permission application has now been submitted and that they expect the permission to be granted this year.
Questions have been raised regarding the remediation of the former Van Uffelen site. The developer of building blocks A and B has explained that the work is being carried out in accordance with an approved remediation plan. This plan has been approved by the provincial authorities and the Veluwe Environmental Agency. The investigations provide sufficient insight into the situation and no delays are currently anticipated.
Do you have any questions for the local council regarding developments in Kayersmolen-Noord?
kayersmolennoord@apeldoorn.nl
For further information:
www.condorpark.nl
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