Loenen lies on the edge of the Veluwe, nestled amongst woods, heathland and fields. The village has a population of over 3,000. The people are very community-minded. There is an active village council, plenty of local clubs and societies, and neighbours helping one another is still very much the norm here.
But like many villages, Loenen is also slowly ‘greying’. This is a cause for concern. Many activities rely on older people. There is a need for young people to take over the reins. But there are far fewer of them.
The demand for housing is linked to this. On the one hand, there is a need for housing for older people – places where you can live comfortably as your mobility decreases or you require more care. On the other hand, there is a demand for housing for first-time buyers, so that young people can also live (and continue to live) in Loenen.
With its beautiful natural surroundings, Loenen is a magnet for tourists. This presents opportunities. More tourism means more jobs. The expansion of the Kieveen business park could also create new jobs. This helps to keep Loenen vibrant and thriving.
Traffic regularly causes disruption, particularly on the main road through the village. We are looking for a good solution to this. Work is also underway in other areas to create pleasant outdoor spaces. For example, new waterways and hedgerows are being created in the countryside, in keeping with the traditional landscape.
Loenen has already made great strides in the area of sustainability. The LEN Foundation is currently working to expand solar power in the village.
So there are plenty of plans for Loenen. We’ll be tackling them together, in collaboration with all sorts of organisations in and around the village. We’ve already achieved a great deal in recent years. In this vitality agenda, you can read about the steps we’ll be taking in the coming years.
Between 2021 and 2031*, we will be focusing particularly on the following areas. First and foremost, the social environment. Because we want Loenen to remain a pleasant community. We will also be focusing on housing, transport and public spaces. In short: suitable housing, safe roads and a beautiful village. We will also be developing tourism and business activity, so that visitors feel welcome and the village benefits financially from this. We will ensure that Loenen becomes even more sustainable. And we will be investing energy in sport, culture and heritage.
* The action points in the agenda have been updated to 2024.
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Potential youth centre for 13–17-year-olds |
We are investigating whether there is a demand for a youth centre for young people aged 13–17. And if so, how this could be set up. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, Spritshz |
|
A safe roundabout, more parking spaces |
We are refurbishing the Eerbeek/Loenen roundabout. And we are providing more parking spaces for visitors – with clear signage. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, province, municipality |
|
Support for events |
The grants for initiatives and participation are being put to good use. We are looking into the possibility of introducing a regular grant for annual events. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, municipality |
|
More sustainably generated electricity |
Loenen is making great strides towards becoming an energy-neutral village. In the coming period, we will be installing more solar panels on roofs. We are working on an electricity storage facility. Our own power station is being expanded. And the energy co-operative continues to grow. |
Loenen Energy Neutral, Loenen Energy Co-operative |
|
An accessible and attractive village centre |
We want to make the shopping area more attractive. And we want to make sure it’s even more accessible. |
County, municipality |
|
Restoration of Den Eikenboom |
The historic Den Eikenboom building is being completely refurbished by the owner. |
The Oak Tree |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Appropriate care for older people |
Loenen Zonnedorp has drawn up an action plan to address the growing demand for care. Together with other organisations, we are exploring what we can do to arrange suitable care. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, Veluwonen, Riwis, local authority |
|
More homes and commercial premises |
We are looking at what types of housing are needed and where they can be built. We are drawing up plans for housing and nature conservation on the site of the former Marshoeve campsite. And we are starting work on the expansion of the Kieveen business park. |
Municipality |
|
One primary school |
The Tweede Stee and De Poort primary schools will merge to form a single school from 1 August 2024. |
Veluwse Onderwijsgroep, Leerplein055, local authority |
|
Vision for Eerbeek-Loenen |
Together with a wide range of stakeholders, we are developing a vision for the Eerbeek-Loenen area. How do we want to live and work in this area? |
Province, Municipality of Brummen, Eerbeek-Loenen Industrial Hub, Water Board |
|
24-hour care in the village |
We want you to be able to receive appropriate 24-hour care in Loenen whenever you need it. And we also want there to be enough ‘sheltered accommodation’. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, Riwis, Veluwonen, municipality |
|
Bus stop at Vrijenberg/waterfall |
We are discussing whether the bus stop on Vrijenberg (near the Loenense Waterfall) can be reinstated. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, province |
|
Watchtower |
There used to be a watchtower on the Loenermark, but it’s no longer there. We’re looking into whether a new tower could be built. |
Friends of the Loenen Woods Foundation |
|
More scope for tourism |
Loenen is well worth a visit. We want to make visiting this area even easier and more enjoyable. That’s why the car park by the waterfall is being refurbished. We’re providing better signposts and more walking routes. And we’re stepping up our promotional efforts. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, VSM, province, municipality |
|
Refurbishment of the Loenerdrift |
We’re going to tackle the Loenerdrift. The green spaces, pavements and parking spaces are being refurbished. |
Veluwonen, municipality |
|
A home for the Loenen History Foundation |
We are looking into the possibility of establishing a permanent home for the Loenen History Foundation. ‘De Middelste Molen’ would be a lovely place for this. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, municipality |
|
Sports hall |
The schools and (sports) clubs in Loenen would very much like to have a sports hall that is fit for purpose. We’re going to see if we can make that happen together. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, municipality |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Enough meeting places |
At the moment, there are plenty of meeting places. But in the future, we may need more. We’ll keep an eye on that. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, organisations, local authority |
|
Less disruption from (freight) traffic |
Loenen is severely affected by (freight) traffic passing through the village. We are working together to see what can be done about it. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, province, municipality |
|
Sufficient employment |
Several companies have informed the council that they would like a site on the Kieveen business park. This could result in some excellent new workplaces. |
Lomivé, municipality |
|
Lovely holiday parks |
Together with local councils across the Veluwe, we are working to develop attractive holiday parks in the region. |
Municipality |
|
Loenen: natural gas-free |
Loenen aims to be natural gas-free by 2030. We are already making preparations for this, so that we can make a smooth transition to sustainable heating in the future. |
Loenen Energy Neutral, Loenen Energy Co-operative |
|
Restoring the hedgerow landscape |
For centuries, small fields separated by hedgerows have surrounded Loenen. However, in many places these hedgerows and hedges have disappeared. Together with farmers and other experts, we want to restore this ‘coulisse landscape’ to its former state. |
Loenen Zonnedorp, municipality, farmers |
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