Apeldoorn aims to be a municipality where people enjoy living, working and spending their leisure time. That is why we are investing in the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and villages. In Oosterhuizen, we have been talking to residents and organisations: what is going well, and what could be improved? We have also carried out research. Based on the findings, a plan has been drawn up to keep the village vibrant.
Oosterhuizen lies on the border between the Veluwe and the IJssel Valley. It is a lively village with its own school, a village hall and a village council. ‘A village with spirit’, reads the place-name sign. This is reflected in the many activities, such as the annual fair, the winter fair and the four-day cycling event. But it is also evident in the little things the villagers do for one another.
Research and conversations with villagers show that Oosterhuizen is a great place to live. On average, residents give their homes and the neighbourhood in which they live a good rating. ‘Well-being’ (health and sense of happiness) also scores a solid 8. People generally get on well with one another. And they are happy to roll up their sleeves and get involved in village life.
At the same time, there are also issues that need addressing. Apart from the village hall and the village school, there are few local facilities. For things like seeing a doctor, visiting the dentist or doing the shopping, people still have to go outside the village. That isn’t always convenient.
Traffic disruption is also a cause for concern. Residents are bothered by the noise from the road running alongside the canal and from the motorway. There is also rat-running through the village. And people sometimes drive far too fast.
Furthermore, there is actually no housing provision in the village for two groups: first-time buyers on the one hand, and older people in need of care on the other. There is therefore a need for housing. However, it should be in keeping with the character of the village. That means: preferably no new-builds, but, for example, homes in disused barns.
To sum up: Oosterhuizen is a lovely village to live in, but there is also room for improvement. We have been working on this over the past few years. We are taking action together with residents. This will ensure that the village remains a great place to live, both now and in the future. To this end, we have drawn up an action plan.
Between 2020 and 2030*, we will be focusing particularly on five areas. First and foremost, the social environment: how can we ensure that Oosterhuizen remains a pleasant community? We will also be focusing on preserving the village’s character and atmosphere. We are tackling road safety. We are also looking at issues relating to spatial planning and housing, such as the demand for more housing. And we are working towards a sustainable village.
* The action points on the agenda have been updated to 2023
| Objective | Action / Point for attention | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation of village hall and village school |
A survey has shown that residents want to keep the village hall. We are committed to this. The school is also important to the village. Furthermore, there is a need for a nursery, in addition to the after-school care centre and the pre-school. We are currently discussing this. |
Village council, village hall, community liaisons, school |
| Reducing speeding |
People sometimes drive too fast on the roads in and around the village. That is why we are looking into the possibility of installing speed bumps. We are also considering, for example, narrowing the roads at the entrances to the village. Several options have already been explored. A decision on the measures will be made following a traffic count. |
Local authority, village council |
| Closure of Wittekruisweg |
Wittekruisweg is often used as a shortcut. This leads to heavy traffic and, at times, dangerous situations. We are looking into whether we can close the road to traffic. |
Local authority, village council |
| Care units and sheltered accommodation |
We are looking into whether sheltered housing or care units might be a possibility. This would allow older people who need care to continue living here for longer. |
Municipality |
| Objective | Action / Point for attention | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Safe neighbourhood |
We use the Neighbourhood Watch scheme via WhatsApp to report suspicious incidents quickly. We also stay in regular contact with the local police officer. |
Residents |
| Functional AED in the village |
There is an AED (defibrillator) at the village hall. Volunteers who know how to use the device attend a refresher course every year. |
Local authority, village council |
| Preserving the village’s character |
In the ‘Village Vision’, Oosterhuizen had set out how it intended to preserve the character of the village. With the introduction of the new Environmental Vision, that Village Vision is no longer valid. We are now looking into whether new arrangements are needed to preserve the village’s character. |
Municipality |
| Industrial estate out of sight |
Greenery has been planted around the industrial estate, but the screening is not yet sufficient. The local council is going to replant part of it. |
Village council, local authority |
| (More) sustainable energy generation |
Oosterhuizen is keen to generate renewable energy. However, the village wants to decide for itself how and where this should be done. The approach is to install solar panels on barns and (commercial) buildings. The Energy Advice Centre can offer guidance. |
Village council, residents |
| Objective | Action / Point for attention | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Resolving bottlenecks on the Kanaal Zuid |
We are working to resolve various safety issues on Kanaal Zuid. An investigation is to be carried out into the Kanaal Zuid/Achterste Kerkweg junction. It is a blind spot. The local council and the provincial authorities are also looking into whether the entire road can be designated a 60 km/h zone. The situation for cyclists has now improved. Markings have been applied to the cycle lane, and there are signs directing cyclists to a safe crossing point. |
Municipality, county, village council |
| Less disruption from the motorway and the road running alongside the canal |
Residents are affected by noise pollution from the motorway and the road running alongside the canal. We are looking into whether we can reduce this nuisance. In any case, there is a need for further research into the noise pollution. |
Local council, village council, Rijkswaterstaat, provincial authority |
| Homes in barns |
Oosterhuizen would like to provide more housing for young and old alike. However, the village would prefer not to expand through new-build developments. We are looking into whether it is possible to convert or extend barns or existing homes. |
Residents, local authority |
| Environmental Plan |
Oosterhuizen is to draw up a local development plan to set out the direction the village wishes to take. A (broader) area-wide vision will be drawn up for the southern outskirts. |
Village Council |
| Heat pump for the village hall |
We are looking into the options for installing a heat pump in the village hall. |
Village council, residents |
| Joint energy procurement |
We’re looking into whether residents can buy energy collectively for the village. That way, we can reduce energy costs. |
Village council, residents |
